City of Vacaville

The City of Vacaville partnered with ForeFront Power to develop a 5 megawatt-DC (MW DC) solar energy and storage portfolio at the City’s Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant (EWWTP). The new solar and storage system will generate nearly 8.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, offsetting approximately 80% of the plant’s annual electricity and saving the City more than $25 million in electricity costs.

Treating up to 7.5 million gallons of wastewater daily, the plant is a critical 24/7/365 industrial public facility. Wastewater treatment is an energy-intensive process requiring an uninterrupted power supply for essential functions such as aeration, pumping, and disinfection. The City of Vacaville’s solar and storage system is a fiscally and environmentally responsible measure to secure a stable, clean energy supply for critical infrastructure.

By integrating solar power and energy storage, the EWWTP facilities decrease their reliance on costly grid electricity, leading to lower energy bills. Vacaville is projected to save over $25 million over the next 20 years through a fixed, lower electricity rate than the local utility. These savings will be passed on to ratepayers. The system will also benefit surrounding communities by avoiding over 4,500 tons of carbon emissions annually—the equivalent of taking 900 gas-powered cars off the road each year—thereby reducing the City’s carbon footprint and improving local air quality.

The City of Vacaville was able to pursue this project at no upfront cost through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ForeFront Power. The PPA enables the City to secure a fixed, lower electricity rate than the utility for the next 20 years, ensuring budget stability while avoiding rising utility costs. ForeFront Power will continue to own, operate, and maintain the system throughout the term of the agreement.