Project Awarded: December 23, 2024

The District selected Sunsense Inc. in December to complete this project where over 2,000 photovoltaic solar panels will be installed on a ground mounted racking system with single axis tracking capability to provide a peak production capacity of approximately 1 megawatt of electricity. This sizing will allow the system to offset more than 100% of the annual kilowatt-hours utilized by the District's treatment facility. In addition, the system will include a battery energy storage system providing critical resiliency for the wastewater treatment facility and additional electrical savings though peak demand reduction.

Due to the funding strategy utilized for this project, including a $2,000,000 grant from DOLA, energy savings will offset project costs providing a net financial benefit to the District's customers. This financial benefit is planned to be utilized to offset operational expenses resulting in lower sewer service rate increases.

Not only is this project a financial win for the District, but it will also provide a positive environmental impact by reducing 954 metric tons (73% of total emissions) of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year!

Project work is already underway, starting with equipment procurement. Installation of the system is dependent upon many factors but is projected to begin in late 2025 with completion in early 2026.