On January 27, 2022, the City of Sierra Madre broke ground on the Sierra Madre Solar Array Project and hosted the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Earth Day, April 22, 2022. The Project, located at 611 East Sierra Madre Boulevard, contains a 554.58 kilowatt (kW) solar ground-mounted system and a 111 kW battery energy storage system (BESS).
The solar array utilizes anti-reflective technology to reduce reflection and convert sunlight directly into electricity. The project is estimated to generate 948,332 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy, which will offset approximately 38% of the energy to the City’s Water Department facility, which pumps and distributes the City’s water supply. In addition, this project will eliminate 693 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to driving nearly 1.7 million miles or 68 times around the Earth.
This project furthers the City’s environmental commitment. The City of Sierra Madre is a founding member of the Clean Power Alliance, a Joint Powers Authority of 32 communities across Los Angeles and Ventura counties that are purchasing their own renewable energy. “Sierra Madre is doing its part to generate clean, local, and renewable energy for our residents and the community at large,” says Mayor Gene Goss. “We are excited to see these panels installed in our city.”
The ground-mount system will have little to no impact on the scenic view of the San Gabriel Mountains, which is a signature feature of our City. In addition, some maintenance pruning was performed on trees on the west of the project, no trees were removed for the project.
The majority of construction activities at the Solar Facility site have been completed. The contractor is currently working with Southern California Edison to complete and test the final connection which is expected to occur towards the end May.
More information about the Sierra Madre Photovoltaic Solar Array Project can be found on the City website at cityofsierramadre.com/business/city_projects/solar. Any additional questions or concerns can be directed to Public Works Director Chris Cimino at (626) 355-7135 or via email at jcarlson@cityofsierramadre.com.
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