HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Resolution awarding contract to RevoPower for purchase of Solar Power Generator TrailerITEM #:2
DATE:03-27-26
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:PURCHASE OF A SOLAR POWER GENERATOR TRAILER
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
On January 12, 2026, the City Council authorized staff to apply for an Iowa Economic
Development Authority (IEDA) grant, using funds provided through the U.S. Department of
Energy State Energy Program (SEP), for the purpose of acquiring a Solar Power Generator
Trailer (see attachment). On February 16, 2026, the City of Ames was awarded the grant. The
mobile trailer will provide clean, quiet, and rapidly deployable emergency power to
support critical municipal functions during severe weather events, prolonged outages,
and other disruptions to the electric grid, reducing the City’s dependence on diesel
generators. The generator will also be used for training, preparedness, and public education
outside of emergency situations.
On March 9, 2026, the City of Ames solicited bids for one (1) Solar Power Generator Trailer.
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, bids were received as follows:
Bidder:Total Bid:
Rural Power Systems, Inc.
Woodland CA $59,157.50
RevoPower (Gridless Revolution, LLC)
Missouri City, TX $62,442.00
Alamex, Inc.
Manteca, CA $67,185.00
Although Rural Power Systems, Inc. submitted the lowest bid, staff determined that the
unit did not fully meet the City’s operational and logistical needs. The Rural Power
Systems bid consists of two separate trailers, requiring two towing vehicles for deployment.
This configuration presents a significant logistical challenge in emergency and disaster
response situations where rapid deployment and minimal staffing are critical. Additionally, the
Rural Power Systems unit provides only 5.4kW total of solar generation capacity, less than the
required minimum of 7.5kW. Due to the low solar capacity and the deployment
limitations, the bid submitted by Rural Power Systems, Inc. is considered non-
responsive.
The unit bid by RevoPower meets all key operational requirements, including a higher solar
generation capacity of 12kW and a single integrated trailer design that allows deployment with
one vehicle. Staff considers the RevoPower unit acceptable and better aligned with the
emergency response, disaster recovery, and community resilience objectives of the
project. As such, staff has deemed the bid by RevoPower the lowest responsive bid.
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The total cost of the recommended award is $63,091, consisting of $62,442 for the base
Solar Power Generator Trailer, $349 for an optional telescoping lighting tower, and an
additional $300 for one (1) hour of manufacturer-provided equipment training.
Funding for the Solar Power Generator Trailer is provided through a combination of
sources, including $37,456.20 from the IEDA grant, $13,000 from the Electric Green
Choices Program, and $12,634.80 from the Electric Demand Side Management Program.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to RevoPower of Missouri City, TX for the purchase of a Solar Power
Generator Trailer in the amount of $63,091.
2. Award a contract to another bidder.
3. Reject the bids and do not purchase a Solar Power Generator Trailer.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This Solar Power Generator Trailer will provide reliable, clean, and rapidly deployable
emergency power to support critical municipal operations while reducing the City’s
dependence on diesel generators, aligning with the goals of the Climate Action Plan.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1 as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1-13-26 IOWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY'S COMMUNITY ENERGY
RESILIENCE PROGRAM.pdf
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ITEM #:9
DATE:01-13-26
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:IOWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY'S COMMUNITY ENERGY
RESILIENCE PROGRAM
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Iowa Economic Development Authority's (IEDA) Community Energy Resilience Program
provides federal grant funds for projects to purchase or develop portable renewable energy
generators equipped with battery storage and train relevant staff on its usage.
A portable renewable energy generator with battery storage can be incorporated into
emergency response protocols and be used to support critical needs. This generator could
include the ability to charge mobile devices and/or providing backup power to remote facilities
such as water wells and pumps. The equipment could also be used for a wide array of non-
emergency uses, including usage at City construction sites, education events, and other
remote work areas in place of a diesel generator. The attachment contains example photos of
these systems.
Staff is seeking City Council's authorization to apply for a federal grant to fund a
portable renewable energy generator for up to $37,500. While the grant does not require
a match, providing some match fund will increase the application's competitiveness.
Therefore, the grant application proposed includes a 40% cost matching up to $25,000.
The cost match funding would come from the Electric sustainability reserve fund where there
are funds available to support renewable energy projects.
Due to the limited amount of funds available for the program, the grant application proposes
two equipment options. The two options are detailed in the table below along with examples of
equipment that could be purchased under either option. If awarded, the equipment would be
procured through a competitive bid.
Total Cost Grant Request Cost Match Example Model Solar Size Battery Size
$40,000 $24,000 $16,000 RPS Sun Titan 2.7 kW 30 kWh
$62,500 $37,500 $25,000 North Star
Logistics 7.5 kW 61 kWh
The equipment would be a shared community resource, meaning local public entities could
request to borrow the equipment when it is not in use by the City of Ames. If the grant is
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awarded, a use policy would be established detailing eligible users, priority of use, and outline
what the borrowing process would be. The City would provide training to borrowers, require
they hold insurance and are held liable for any damages, and the City would retain full
authority to determine acceptable uses of the equipment. Emergency response and City use
will be prioritized over other uses. The Fleet Department would store and administer the
equipment and receive training from the manufacturer on its operation.
Letters of support were obtained from Iowa State University (ISU) and Story County
Emergency Management. ISU indicated the equipment could provide valuable for research
purposes. The equipment will also be made available for other cities within Story County to
use in emergency situations, coordinated by Story County Emergency Management.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize staff to participate and apply for the Iowa Economic Development Authority's
Community Energy Resilience Program for up to $37,500 and provide up to $25,000 in
matching funds.
2. Do not authorize staff to apply for or participate in Iowa Economic Development
Authority's Community Energy Resilience Program.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Renewable energy and energy resilience align with City climate action goals and
emergency response priorities. A portable renewable energy generator with battery
storage would provide critical support in an emergency. The shared governmental
asset would also be capable of serving a variety of non-emergency uses in place of
other, non-renewable forms of electricity. Ther efore, it is the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Portable Renewable Energy Generator Examples.pdf
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