The City of Fresno’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has officially completed a large-scale solar and battery storage initiative at three key municipal sites: the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, the Northeast Surface Water Treatment Facility, and the Southeast Surface Water Treatment Facility. The completion was marked by a “Flip the Switch” ceremony, celebrating the activation of clean energy systems totaling 27 megawatts (MW-DC) across the sites. These systems are projected to save over $122 million in utility costs for Fresno ratepayers by the year 2045.

The largest installation, a 19.6 MW solar and battery system at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, stands out as the largest commercial behind-the-meter solar-plus-storage project currently operating in the United States. Combined, the systems are expected to generate approximately 47 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually—enough to power 6,000 homes each year. The sites are equipped with smart battery systems that allow the DPU to store solar energy and use it during periods of peak demand, lowering electricity costs and reducing stress on the state’s power grid.

Developed in partnership with ForeFront Power, a major solar and storage developer operating across the U.S. and Mexico, the project was constructed using local union labor from IBEW Local 100. This effort supported the creation of 120 jobs in the area. Each of the three facilities features ground-mounted solar panels on single-axis trackers, which rotate to follow the sun and increase energy generation by maximizing exposure to sunlight throughout the day.

The solar energy portfolio also brings major environmental benefits. By reducing dependence on grid electricity during high-demand hours, the systems help the city avoid over 26,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually—the equivalent of removing 6,000 gas-powered cars from local roads. This contributes to cleaner air and supports regional sustainability goals, particularly important in the Central Valley, where air quality is a concern.

The DPU solar and battery projects were implemented without any upfront costs to the City and did not require the use of public bond funding. ForeFront Power financed, developed, and continues to own and operate the systems under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This agreement ensures DPU will pay a fixed, below-market rate for electricity over two decades, providing cost certainty while avoiding exposure to future utility rate hikes.

In addition to the DPU projects, ForeFront Power has recently completed solar installations at other city-owned sites, including the Fresno Animal Center, Fire Station 18, and the Southeast Police Substation. Future projects are already underway at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, including installations at the new terminal and parking garage, as well as at the FAX Bus Yard & Employee Lot.

Mayor Jerry Dyer, said in a statement, “I am so proud of this extraordinary achievement that is putting Fresno on the map and honoring our commitment to building a sustainable Fresno. Powering these citywide projects and DPU with renewable energy is one facet of the City’s comprehensive plan to lower our energy costs, secure critical infrastructure, and increase our environmental sustainability. By energizing this massive renewable energy portfolio to support our public utilities, Fresno is showing the rest of the country that clean power is a valuable tool in serving our communities.”

Mayor Der further added, “When you visit the DPU sites, the sheer size of these new solar and storage assets is impressive to behold. We are grateful to ForeFront Power for their continued support in developing world-class renewable energy assets and stimulating job growth across the City of Fresno. We are also grateful for the local jobs created and our local union workers at IBEW Local 100 for their tireless labor in constructing these systems. Together we’re turning Fresno into a beacon for responsible energy innovation, job growth, and economic resilience.”

Dr. Ruben Fontes, CEO of ForeFront Power, mentioned, “We are honored to partner with the City of Fresno to realize their visionary energy plan. The DPU sites are unique in their scale as well as their impact. By generating and storing clean power on site, DPU reduces its reliance on costly grid electricity and can pass those savings back to ratepayers. Moreover, the batteries installed at each site ensure that energy is always available to power the City’s essential infrastructure.”

The City procured its solar and storage systems through the Renewable Energy Aggregated Procurement (REAP) Program, administered by SPURR, a joint powers authority that supports California’s public sector in reducing utility expenses. The REAP program offers public agencies access to competitive pricing and standardized agreements through a streamlined procurement process. Through REAP, the City selected ForeFront Power to lead the development and long-term operation of its growing portfolio of clean energy systems. With this initiative nearing full implementation, Fresno is set to become the first city in the country to host the largest on-site, multi-campus solar and battery storage portfolio.