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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. Energy cost reductions are expected to entirely pay for the project, while saving the City nearly $24 million dollars over the next 25 years.

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

      Current Project Status

      Solar PV Systems

      Construction at McBride Senior Center, Three Oaks Community Center, Andrews Park, Ulatis Community Center Phase 1, and City Hall roof systems and Phase 1 of the parking lot is nearly complete. 

      The next phase of construction will include the transition to Phase 2 at Ulatis Community Center (east portion of the parking lot), Phase 2 at City Hall (south parking island), the Corporation Yard, and Fire Station 75, currently anticipated to begin in late July.  Visitors should expect some parking delays at these facilities. 

      Downtown Tree Infusion Program

      The Downtown Tree Infusion Project was completed in June 2025.  A total of 128 new trees were planted throughout the downtown area to enhance the beauty and walkability of Downtown Vacaville.

      The next phase of the Tree Infusion Program includes the addition of 161 new trees at Three Oaks Community Center, Ulatis Community Center and Andrews Park.  This work is expected to start in fall 2025.

      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)
        • $23.9 million cumulative utility cost savings over 25 years with $7.0 million in the first 20-year financing term and $16.9 million in the following five years post agreement conclusion (year #20-25)
        • 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