Stockton, CA – San Joaquin County has completed its Countywide solar initiative, installing solar systems across nine County-owned properties to reduce energy costs and support long-term sustainability within the region.

“Integrating solar into County facilities is critically important as it represents the Board’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and our environmental future,” said Sonny Dhaliwal, Chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. “By lowering energy costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we are delivering real savings for taxpayers while advancing San Joaquin County’s commitment to sustainability for generations to come.”

The $26 million project delivers approximately 8.2 megawatts of solar capacity and is expected to generate an estimated 12.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power approximately 1,500 California homes each year. These results significantly reduce the County’s reliance on traditional energy sources.

Solar installations are now operational at the following County-owned sites:
Micke Grove Regional Park & Zoo, Stockton Metropolitan Airport, San Joaquin General Hospital, District Attorney Garage at the 6 South El Dorado Street Garage, Probation Garage at the Hunter Street Garage, Sheriff’s Office, Mary Graham Children’s Shelter, Agricultural Center, and Behavioral Health Services.

Through the Federal Inflation Reduction Act, the County expects to receive a direct payment of up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, approximately $12 million, reducing the County’s net cost to approximately $14 million.

The County anticipates saving approximately $2.5 million annually in avoided electricity costs and expects to recover its investment in approximately five years.

In addition to cost savings, the project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 6,250 tons annually, supporting local and State energy and climate goals.

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