Norwalk moves toward solar energy

Norwalk City Council reviews a plan to install solar panel at city facilities during their meeting on Tuesday. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK – The Norwalk City Council has unanimously voted to approve the Sustainability Energy Efficiency and Infrastructure Improvement Project and initiate the installation of solar panel arrays at several municipal facilities during their Tuesday meeting.

“For many years, the city council has supported energy efficiency upgrades to buildings and infrastructure,” said city manager Jesus M. Gomez. “This is also related to our goal number for sustainability recently added to our strategic plan.”

Gomez explained the projected energy savings over 30 years are estimated at $35,361,800. The project would cost approximately $18.2 million, which includes the design-build contract for sports field lighting and the initiation of solar panel implementation at six city facilities.

The city will cover $6.2 million through different sources to finance the solar panel array portion, estimated at $12 million. Approximately $1.8 million has already been allocated in the fiscal year 2024 budget for park lighting and improvements, with an additional $4.2 million to be requested later. This additional funding is expected to come from Proposition C and capital reserves.

The city plans to seek tax-exempt municipal lease financing for the solar panels at six locations. Syserco Energy Solutions has assisted the city in applying to Southern California Edison for rebates, securing a significant $4 million to be used against the first debt service payment.

This rebate includes $3 million from the Inflation Reduction Act and $1 million from the energy community bonus.

Scott Mines, the general manager from Syserco Energy Solutions, assured the council of the solar panels’ reliability.

“The materials that are specified here on the solar modules have a 30-year performance warranty that’s associated with them,” Mines explained. “The things that we’re installing here are their equipment, that is tier one modules, which are companies that have been thoroughly tested and UL listed.”

Norwalk Mayor Ana Valencia noted the urgency of Norwalk’s move towards solar energy. “Working towards reducing our carbon footprint is part of our sustainability plan. That’s really what we’re trying to do and even play a little bit of catch up when it comes to sustainability efforts.”