Downey expects to save millions with solar panels

Mayor Blanca Pacheco, Police Chief Leslie Murray and Councilwoman Claudia Frometa at a groundbreaking ceremony for Downey’s new solar panel program. (Photo courtesy City of Downey)

DOWNEY – Looking to save money and reduce its carbon footprint, the City of Downey will soon see the installation of several solar panels and canopies at six of its city facilities.

The city approved a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Onyx Development Group in August last year. It calls for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems at City Hall, the Downey Police Department building, Downey City Library, Downey Theatre, the Columbia Memorial Space Center and the Barbara J. Riley Senior Center.

The project is estimated to cost $10 million, however will be funded through its implementation and $1 million federal Community Development Block Grant for the senior center, with no out-of-pocket expense for the City.

In fact, the project is anticipated to provide significant relief to the city’s general fund, with an estimated net savings of $150,000 in the first year, $1 million over five years, and $10 million over the 25-year term of the PPA.

In addition to its financial benefits, the project will also generate 1.61 megawatts of solar energy at all six sites combined with a total projected annual generation of 2,794,600 kilowatt-hours. Battery energy storage systems will also be installed at four sites with a total capacity of 750 kilowatts or 2,500 kWh.

Overall, the city will see a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 5 million vehicle miles travelled annually, and a reduction in carbon emissions equivalent to carbon sequestered by 2,426 acres of trees in one year.

Councilmember Claudia M. Frometa, who was mayor at the time of the project’s approval and groundbreaking, called it “historic.”

“In an age where ‘the environment’ and ‘environmental sustainability’ are not just buzz words, we want to be proactive as a city,” said Frometa. “Being the 11th largest city in LA County, it is important to continue to be the leaders and innovators in setting the standard for environmental sustainability.”

According to Frometa, installation is expected to start in February and is anticipated to be completed in August.