• The City is projected to save over $25 million on electricity costs over the 20-year lifespan of the system.
• The project was approved by city council in December 2020.
• The City of Vacaville pursued this project to save money and contribute to the State of California’s sustainability and resiliency goals which are:
• To reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030
• To procure 100% of all electricity from carbon-free sources by 2045

Vacaville’s solar energy and energy storage portfolio adds another local, clean, renewable resource that can be tapped to meet the State of California's electrical demand and avoid greenhouse gas emissions. Here’s how: 

• The City’s solar energy portfolio generates nearly 8.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, which is enough to power the annual electricity use of over 1,400 homes.
• This clean, renewable energy supply helps the City avoid emitting approximately 3,513 tons of atmospheric CO2 per year, which is equivalent to avoiding 3.9 million pounds of coal burned every year.
• Vacaville’s transition to clean power is a net positive for our air quality, being roughly equal to taking over 757 gas-powered passenger vehicles off the road each year.
• The City’s solar energy portfolio benefits California’s environment by conserving the same amount of atmospheric carbon as about 58,000 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.

Under the terms of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the City of Vacaville, ForeFront Power will develop, own, and maintain the City’s solar energy portfolio. ForeFront Power charges the City a fixed, below-market rate for electricity, which is locked in for the 20-year duration of the agreement. ForeFront Power will continue to operate and maintain the system at no cost to the City.

The PPA enabled Vacaville to develop its portfolio at no upfront cost and without using bond funds. The City achieves a fixed, below-market rate for electricity as well as budget certainty by avoiding utility rate increases for decades to come.

The solar and future energy storage portfolio will offset the City's annual electricity demand at multiple sites. During the day, the solar energy assets will power any device that uses AC electricity.