Title
Resolution to Approve the Purchase of Solar Photovoltaic Modules from Global Solar Center LLC d/b/a Samba Energy ($914,865.84)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and consideration is a resolution to approve the purchase of 6,804 SunPro 440w solar photovoltaic (PV) modules from Global Solar Center LLC d/b/a Samba Energy (Samba Energy) along with associated shipping and temporary storage costs, for an amount not to exceed $914,865.84.
The City of Ann Arbor, through its Sustainable Energy Utility (A2SEU), is procuring these modules to support solar installations identified for construction in 2028.
The timing of this procurement is critical. The procurement is structured to meet the “beginning of construction” deadline of July 4, 2026 necessary to “safe harbor” projects that will be completed after December 31, 2027 to be eligible for a 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Under the terms of the invitation to bid (ITB), title transfer to the City will occur on or before July 3, 2026, to preserve the City's eligibility for the ITC. The current expenditure of under $1 million on these solar panels is anticipated to secure tax credits worth an estimated $3 million on 2028 installations.
The City issued ITB No. 4789 in May 2026 to solicit competitive pricing for solar modules. Samba Energy submitted the lowest responsive bid. The SunPro 440w solar PV module satisfies the technical requirements for the A2SEU's residential and commercial rooftop applications, including Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) compliance that is necessary for ITC eligibility and performance guarantees.
The total amount proposed for the purchase order includes $835,259.04 for 6,804 modules; $44,906.40 for shipping; and optional, month-to-month off-site storage for up to 6 months not to exceed $34,700.40 ($5,783.40 per month). The A2SEU intends to take physical delivery of the modules to a City site within 6 months of purchase, with the month-to-month off-site storage option offering a temporary solution until a City site is prepared.
The quantity of modules for purchase is anticipated to cover more than 500 residential-scale A2SEU solar installations.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for this purchase is available in the approved FY2027 Sustainable Energy Utility operations and maintenance budget. The purchase transaction will take place on July 2, 2026.
Staff
Prepared by: Shoshannah Lenski, Sustainable Energy Utility
Reviewed by: Valerie Jackson, Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: Marti Praschan, Chief Financial Officer
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (A2SEU) requires the procurement of solar photovoltaic hardware to provide renewable energy services to the community;
Whereas, The City issued Invitation to Bid No. 4789 for Solar PV Modules and received a responsive bid from Global Solar Center LLC d/b/a Samba Energy for SunPro 440w modules;
Whereas, The modules proposed for purchase meet all technical specifications;
Whereas, To comply with the “beginning of construction” requirement to “safe harbor” projects that will be completed after December 31, 2027 to be eligible to receive the federal Investment Tax Credit, the City must execute title transfer for the equipment by July 4, 2026;
Whereas, Securing the Investment Tax Credit on planned 2028 A2SEU solar installations is anticipated to save the City an estimated $3 million, and these savings will be reflected in A2SEU customer rates;
Whereas, Global Solar Center LLC d/b/a Samba Energy has provided competitive pricing of $122.76 per module plus shipping costs, and offers optional, month-to-month off-site storage as the City prepares for delivery of the equipment to a City site;
Whereas, Global Solar Center LLC d/b/a Samba Energy has agreed to the City’s standard purchase terms and to effect title transfer for the equipment by July 3, 2026;
Whereas, Global Solar Center LLC d/b/a Samba Energy is compliant with the City’s non-discrimination and conflict of interest policies; and
Whereas, Funding for this procurement is available in the approved FY2027 Sustainable Energy Utility operations and maintenance budget available beginning July 1, 2026;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the purchase of 6,804 SunPro 440w solar photovoltaic modules plus shipping from Global Solar Center LLC d/b/a Samba Energy in the amount of $880,165.44;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the optional month-to-month off-site storage of the modules for up to 6 months in an amount not to exceed $34,700.40;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to issue a Purchase Order to Global Solar Center LLC d/b/a Samba Energy in accordance with ITB No. 4789 and this resolution;
RESOLVED, That any funding in the FY2027 expenditure budget related to this purchase be carried forward without regard to fiscal year to facilitate the delivery and storage of the modules; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution, including the execution of title transfer documents and logistics arrangements consistent with the “beginning of construction” requirement to safe harbor this equipment for Investment Tax Credit purposes.
Sponsored by: Mayor Taylor