San Anselmo is refining the main points of a $1 million photo voltaic power challenge supposed to supply electrical energy to the general public throughout disasters.
The Planning Commission heard a presentation of the Town Hall “resilience hub” challenge on June 3. The challenge consists of a photo voltaic photovoltaic system, a battery power storage system and a microgrid system to produce “inexperienced” power throughout excessive climate occasions and prescribed. blackouts.
The web site will probably be used to cost metropolis automobiles, preserve providers at websites such because the police station and scale back reliance on mills throughout emergency providers. The web site can even present Wi-Fi and digital automobile charging stations for the general public, in addition to cooling and heating.
“The metropolis of San Anselmo and its employees are persevering with efforts to supply and implement power effectivity tasks and electrification of downtown services,” stated Matthew Ferrer, a metropolis engineer, on the assembly.
The challenge would require the development of a cover carport close to the Town Hall. The system will present energy to Town Hall, the library and the Central Marin Police Authority station.
Public Works Director Sean Condry described Town Hall as an “island of energy” above the flood line.
“The system will truly be underground linked to Town Hall,” Condry stated.
The challenge is eligible for an funding tax credit score by the Inflation Reduction Act that would end in a 30% value financial savings.
The value of the challenge will probably be coated by Measure J funds within the present and subsequent fiscal 12 months, Donery stated. Measure J is a one-cent gross sales tax authorised in 2022. The measure is anticipated to generate about $2.4 million yearly.
The utility value financial savings will equal the price of the challenge after about 18 years, Condry estimated. The city can even contemplate promoting solar energy to supply a brand new income stream. The metropolis estimates the challenge will generate $344,000 in income after 25 years.
The city is contemplating two potential websites, a car parking zone north of Magnolia Avenue or two tons west of Town Hall.
Condry stated neighborhood conferences are deliberate to debate potential areas. Staff will then go to council to approve the ultimate plans. The whole value of the challenge is decided by selecting the cover and column type.
Due to the specter of flooding, energy outages and fires, the City Council voted to hunt proposals for the challenge in May 2023.
In January, Gridscape Solutions, a Fremont firm, recognized potential areas. A possible plan to put in roof panels was scrapped because of lack of area.
Heidi Scoble, the town’s planning director, stated not one of the potential websites are thought of an space of alternative for the town’s housing aspect.
Gary Smith, a planning commissioner, stated he was impressed by the photo voltaic stations at Archie Williams High School and the College of Marin.
“I feel it is an effective way to maneuver the town,” he stated. “And I hope it isn’t typically tried.”