Local elected officials, city staff, and community members gathered to celebrate the start of construction on this long-awaited project. Courtesy photo.
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New solar canopies support Ventura’s Climate Action Plan and will save $2.3 million in energy costs
VENTURA — The City of Ventura held a ribbon-cutting ceremony (May 29) celebrating the completion of a new 900 kilowatt-DC solar portfolio, marking a major milestone in the City’s commitment to sustainability and long-term cost savings. Developed in partnership with ForeFront Power, the project features solar parking canopies at two high-usage facilities: the Ventura Police and Fire Headquarters and Ventura Community Park.
The solar portfolio is just one component of Ventura’s approach to the comprehensive new Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) and offsets electrical consumption at two of the City’s most energy-intensive sites, significantly reducing citywide carbon emissions. Combined, the solar canopies will generate over 1.5 million kilowatt hours of renewable electricity annually, enough to power more than 250 homes per year, while also delivering substantial long-term savings on energy costs.
“With the completion of this solar portfolio, Ventura has achieved key emission reductions called for in our Climate Action and Resilience Plan,” said Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “This effort also advances the City Council’s 2025 Strategic Priorities for environmental stewardship and economic development. These solar parking canopies will benefit our community for decades by removing emissions from the air and saving us $2.3 million in long-term operational energy costs.”
The clean, renewable energy produced by the solar canopies will help the City avoid over 800 tons of CO2 emissions per year, the equivalent to 800,000 pounds of coal burned. The transition to clean power is also a net positive for its air quality, equivalent to removing over 170 gas-powered passenger vehicles off the road each year.
“We applaud the City of Ventura for taking bold action to harness the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy,” said Rachel McLaughlin, Chief Commercial Officer of ForeFront Power. “It’s been a pleasure to work with City staff and help them realize their vision for a sustainable, resilient, and thriving Ventura.”
The project was delivered at no upfront cost to the City. Through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), ForeFront Power owns and maintains the system, while the City purchases the electricity at a fixed, below-utility rate, ensuring long-term budget predictability and protection from utility rate increases.
For more information about the Solar Project with ForeFront Power and to stay updated on ongoing events go to www.cityofventura.ca.gov/SolarProject