Commercial, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  November 15, 2023

San Antonio to Add Solar at 42 City Facilities

The San Antonio City Council approved a $30 million onsite solar project that will install rooftop, parking, and park canopy solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at 42 city facilities. The city’s newly approved services agreement with San Antonio developer Big Sun Solar will also make progress toward San Antonio’s 2040 goal of zero net energy for all municipal buildings.

The projected electricity generated annually from the 42 sites is expected to offset an estimated 11% of the city’s electricity consumption from its buildings.

“The launch of this project not only supports the City of San Antonio’s carbon neutral goal laid out in the SA Climate Ready Climate Action Adaptation Plan but will be one of the first local government solar deals to combine local and state funding with new federal incentives for clean energy,” said Douglas Melnick, Chief Sustainability Officer, in a statement.

The project will utilize funding from new Inflation Reduction Act incentives, the State Energy Conservation Office LoanStar low-interest loan, and local tax dollars.

The solar installations will begin in the spring of 2024 with an anticipated completion in the fall of 2026.