$30.8 Million Solar Project in San Antonio Progresses
By Fay Harvey
SAN ANTONIO — The city of San Antonio’s $30 million solar project is steadily advancing with 13 out of 42 solar-focused locations already commissioned, bringing the Texas city closer to its goal of net-zero energy for all municipal building by 2040.
As part of the plans, municipal facilities spread across the city’s council districts will install solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar canopy shade structures, including placements on rooftops and over parking lots. The city most recently began construction at the Public Safety Answering Point facility which will include onsite solar canopies, providing 249 covered parking spaces for city employees. Once installed, the 1.18-megawatt system will offset approximately 77% of the facility’s yearly electricity use.
“One of our key municipal strategies is to reduce building energy consumption for all municipal buildings by 2040. With this installation and the future completed sites, we are making significant strides toward that goal,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg in a statement. “These solar PV installations will not only help us improve our municipal building energy efficiency but also result in cost savings, shade and weather protection and local jobs.”
In San Antonio, building emissions create half of the city’s carbon footprint. Once solar installation is complete at all 42 locations, San Antonio will save an annual $1.8 million while generating 12,718 kilowatts, reducing city-owned building emissions by approximately 18%. The 13 already commissioned projects will total 4.11 megawatts of solar capacity and are installed at community centers, schools, senior homes, libraries and more.
Funding for the project is derived from $18.3 million in bonds, while $10 million was provided by Inflation Reduction Act tax credits. An additional $2.5 million is supplied by a State Energy Conservation Office-issued loan. San Antonio will pay off the debt in approximately 10 years using savings accrued through the solar project. The project was approved in a 9-1 vote in September 2024.
Solar installation, led by San Antonio-based solar company Big Sun Solar, is slated for completion in fall 2026. In agreeance with the city of San Antonio, Big Sun Solar is providing installation and short-term maintenance and additionally developed the cutting-edge plan alongside city officials.
“Achieving this level of progress required extensive planning, a strong focus on project management and coordination with various City departments to ensure minimal disruption to their operations,” said Jason Pittman, co-founder and president of Big Sun Solar, in a statement.
The buildings included in the project will remain backed by local electrical utility provider CPS Energy’s grid system for when additional power is necessary.
“San Antonio continues to set an example with innovative initiatives like this one,” said Douglas Melnick, San Antonio’s chief sustainability officer, in a statement. “Not only does it enhance our building’s energy efficiency, but it also supports economic and workforce development.”
The solar project is a part of San Antonio’s 2019-established climate action plan. With a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, the city’s SA Climate Ready plan includes reducing greenhouse gases, promoting biodiversity, strengthening public health systems, restoring green infrastructure and other environmentally conscious tactics.
“San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. We are working to plan for and accommodate an estimated one million additional residents that will be living in our community by 2040,” said Nirenberg in his report statement. “It is our collective responsibility to prepare for a future that is projected to have hotter temperatures, longer droughts and more intense rain events.”