Solar Energy
Solar Energy Array
The project is administered through a power purchase agreement with Tesla, who constructed and owns the facility. Beginning in 2018, all the power generated from the system will be sold to SacSewer at a fixed rate for 25-years.
This solar array increases and diversifies our green energy portfolio, provides a clean and sustainable energy source, and brings financial benefits by reducing energy costs. The estimated savings to SacSewer over the 25-year period is about $10 million. The solar array also meets environmental requirements for greenhouse gas mitigation as part of the EchoWater Project, which was completed in 2023.
The 4.2 megawatt solar array has a footprint of approximately 21 acres of open space designated for future treatment processes. It will produce approximately eight percent of SacSewer’s current energy needs which is enough to power approximately 689 homes annually.
SolarShares
In 2018, SacSewer entered a 20-year agreement with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). The SolarShares Program allows commercial customers to purchase electricity that is 100% renewable. SacSewer’s annual commitment is 33,465,942 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy. Under this agreement, the energy provided offsets the energy usage of SacSewer, enough to power approximately 3,100 homes annually.
