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Sustainable Energy Project

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      The City of Vacaville is working to make Vacaville a more energy resilient and sustainable city.  In support of this goal, the City has partnered with OPTERRA Energy Services to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and emergency backup generators across several facilities. In addition to these upgrades, the project will help plant more than 320 new trees and support workforce development opportunities. The anticipated energy cost reductions are expected to fully offset the cost of the project and generate substantial long-term savings for the City over the next 25 years, delivering ongoing financial and environmental benefits to the community. 

      Sustainable Energy Project Pillars, ENGIE, Solar PV, Tree Infusion, Energy Resiliency upgrade, energy, solar, workforce development,

      Current Project Status

      Solar PV Systems

      Construction of the PV systems at all eight City facilities has been successfully completed. The installations were finalized in accordance with project specifications, marking the completion of the construction phase. The systems are now ready for final inspections, commissioning, and transition to full operational status. 

      Tree Infusion Program

      Since June 2025, a total of 327 new trees have been planted across Vacaville. Of these, 128 trees were installed as part of the Downtown Tree Infusion Project, enhancing the beauty, shade, and walkability of Downtown Vacaville. An additional 161 trees were planted at key community locations, including Three Oaks Community Center, Ulatis Community Center, and Andrews Park, further expanding the City's urban canopy to promote more comfortable and environmentally resilient community spaces. The remaining 38 trees have been distributed through the City's Make a Difference Day events and Treebate Program.

      Solar PV Sites
      Tree Infusion Plan
      Energy Resiliency Upgrades
      Workforce Development Opportunities

        The City’s Sustainable Energy Project will provide substantial economic benefits and meet the City Council’s expressed goals of increased energy sustainability. Highlighted below is a short list of the identified project benefits: 

        • The project will pay for itself and require no capital outlay from the City by generating electrical utility savings that will cover the tax-exempt lease purchase financing loan of $19,476,635 (net proceeds)
        • Energy cost reductions are expected to generate substantial long-term savings for the City over the next 25 years, delivering ongoing financial and environmental benefits 
        • Takes advantage of $5.4 million in Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding
        • Production Guarantee stipulating that not less than ninety percent (90%) of the expected energy output from each site will be produced every 12 months, if not OPTERRA Energy Services will owe the City a production shortfall penalty
        • Meets City’s General Plan goal of promoting a sustainable energy supply
        • Furthers the City’s efforts to achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, as required by State legislation
        • Promotes a “green” revitalization of the Downtown and within City’s identified disadvantaged communities through the installation of hundreds of trees
        • Provides green technology workforce development, education, and experience through partnership with Solano Community College
        • Replaces three emergency generators at the end of their useful life