Solar PV for City facilities

solar panels on city facility

New solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for City facilities are planned through Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE)’s Solar and Storage for Public Buildings Program. Systems will be installed at four facilities:

  • Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center (for the Burgess Pool)
  • Belle Haven Child Development Center
  • City Hall
  • Menlo Park Library

These efforts support the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, specifically CAP Strategy No. 5: eliminate fossil fuel use from City operations, by securing affordable electricity prices for City facilities that will be switching from gas to all-electric appliances. Please visit menlopark.gov/homeupgrade for information about programs for residents looking to install solar and battery systems and/or replace their outdated gas appliances with newer, cleaner, efficient electric options for their homes.

Current status

As of Dec. 1, 2025 construction of the Belle Haven Child Development Center and Menlo Park Library systems is mostly complete. The system on the roof of the Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center is underway. Work on the City Hall rooftop system is scheduled to begin mid-December, and the carport systems, in the parking lot between City Hall and the Gymnastics Center, should begin construction late-January 2026. All systems are scheduled to be completed prior to the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0 deadline, April 14, 2026.

Temporary parking disruptions and alternate parking lots

Limited disruptions to parking at the civic campus are expected during the upcoming installation of the rooftop system at City Hall. During the carport system construction however, much of the parking lot between city hall and the Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center will be closed. All facilities will remain open during typical hours. Alternate parking locations will be available for the duration of the project.

Project history

The solar PV systems are financed through power purchase agreements (PPAs) with PCE. With the PPA model, PCE has arranged for the design, installation, operations and maintenance of the solar PV systems, and the City would pay an agreed upon price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for power generated throughout the system’s life. The PPA is being provided “at cost” by PCE to cover equipment, installation, maintenance and administrative expenses. City staff coordinated with PCE to identify projects, complete site assessments and submit interconnection applications for four qualifying facilities under the favorable NEM 2.0 rates in 2023. Some project milestones include:

Year Description                                                                                                                                                                    
 May 21, 2024   Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter a PPA with PCE
 Dec. 5, 2023  Informational item to City Council

 

Contact us

Sustainability Office
Email

650-330-6720

 

 

 

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