Lompoc City Council approves $731,000 purchase of solar panels from American Solar and Electric Solutions

The Lompoc City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, focused on a significant purchase order for solar panels from American Solar and Electric Solutions, totaling $731,000. This initiative is part of the city's efforts to utilize funds from the Low Carbon Transit Operation Program, which have been available since February 2018. The council is under pressure to spend these funds before the grant deadline, prompting the decision to proceed with the solar panel purchase.

The project involves acquiring 4,212 solar panels, which will cover approximately 34,784 square feet. However, the project is still in its early stages and has not been fully designed due to recent updates in building codes. The council will need to revisit the project to ensure compliance with the 2022 building code, which now mandates the inclusion of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, rather than just planning for future infrastructure.

Concerns were raised about the logistics of storing the solar panels, which weigh around 30 tons. The city is considering using its corporate yard for storage, requiring about 2,000 square feet of space. The delivery will involve seven trucks, highlighting the scale of the project.

The council noted that the cost of solar panels has significantly decreased, with the current bid price at approximately 31 cents per watt, a stark contrast to previous estimates that were ten times higher. The solar panels are expected to generate a peak power output of 22,200,000 watts, which will be utilized on-site, including the installation of canopies over parking areas at JM Mansfield Park.

Additionally, the council discussed funding for other necessary components of the solar project, such as transformers and inverters. They confirmed that additional grants are available to support these costs, ensuring the project can move forward effectively.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to renewable energy and the urgency of utilizing available funds to enhance its sustainability initiatives.