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Vacaville officials update public on eight-site solar project with OPTERRA, backup power and 327-tree planting
Summary
Vacaville City officials presented an update on a sustainable energy project with OPTERRA that installed solar panels at eight city facilities, added emergency backup power for City Hall and the fire station, and planted 327 trees; officials also highlighted paid internships and downtown murals.
Vacaville City officials presented an update on a sustainable energy project with OPTERRA that installed solar panels at eight city facilities, added emergency backup power for City Hall and the fire station and planted 327 trees.
Mayor John Carli said the city prioritized people, the environment and fiscal stewardship in pursuing the project. "It's really important for a city like Vacaville to operate sustainably," Carli said, framing the initiative as both an environmental measure and a municipal asset during a time of high costs.
City Manager Savita Chaudhary said the project's scope includes solar installations across eight facilities, emergency backup power at City Hall and the fire station, and a tree infusion program of 327 trees, about 128 of which were placed downtown with the remainder in parks and community facilities. "Vacaville's Sustainable Energy project included installation of solar panels over eight different facilities," Chaudhary said.
Public Works Director Brian Oxley provided the project's energy estimates, saying, "All eight solar systems included in this project will generate approximately 4200 megawatt hours annually of clean energy, which will offset 2100 metric tons of CO2." He also noted that OPTERRA contributed to public art downtown as part of the project: "Part of this project included murals in downtown through a contribution from OPTERRA. This is really special."
Officials said the project created local workforce opportunities through paid internships with Solano Community College. OPTERRA intern Christopher Martinez described his experience on the engineering team and the local connection the work created. "Having an internship in my community means a lot to me," Martinez said. He added that seeing the completed work "makes me proud" and that he feels part of something that benefits the community.
Officials did not specify funding sources or a timeline for additional phases during this update. The presentation focused on installed infrastructure, estimated annual energy generation and community benefits including trees, murals and internships.
