San Anselmo is finalizing details of a $1 million solar power project designed to provide electricity to communities during a natural disaster.
On June 3, the Planning Commission heard a presentation on City Hall’s Resilience Center project. The project will include solar photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage systems and microgrid systems to provide green energy during extreme weather events and prevent power outages.
The site will be used to charge city vehicles, support services at sites such as a police station, and reduce reliance on generators during emergency response. Wi-Fi and electric vehicle charging stations will also be available on site, as will cooling and heating systems.
“The City of San Anselmo and its staff continue to work diligently to implement energy efficiency and electrification projects for downtown properties,” City Engineer Matthew Ferrell said at the meeting.
The project involves the construction of an indoor parking garage next to City Hall. The system will provide electricity to City Hall, the library and the Marina Central Police Station.
Public Works Director Sean Condrey called City Hall an “island of power” above the flood line.
The project is eligible for investment tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, which could result in cost savings of 30%.
Donnelly said the cost of the project will be covered by Measure J funds starting this fiscal year and next. Measure J is a 1-cent sales tax approved in 2022. The measure is expected to generate about $2.4 million annually.
Condrey estimates that in about 18 years, the utility savings will equal the cost of the project. The city will also consider selling solar energy to provide a new source of revenue. The city expects the project to generate $344,000 in revenue over 25 years.
The city is considering two potential sites: a parking lot north of Magnolia Avenue or two parking lots west of City Hall.
Public meetings are planned to discuss potential locations, Condrey said. Staff will then go to council to approve the final plans. The total cost of the project will be determined after choosing the style of canopy and columns.
In May 2023, the City Council voted to seek proposals for the project due to threats of flooding, power outages and fires.
Fremont-based Gridscape Solutions identified possible locations in January. Potential plans to install panels on the roof were rejected due to space constraints.
City Planning Director Heidi Scoble said none of the potential sites are considered viable for the city’s residential development.
Planning Commissioner Gary Smith said he was inspired by solar plants at Archie Williams High School and the College of Marin.
“I think this is a great way for cities to move,” he said. “I hope it doesn’t get tested too often.”
https://www.people-electric.com/home-energy-storage-product/
Post time: Jun-12-2024