As the fifth largest city in California, with over half a million residents, the City of Fresno is making significant strides in renewable energy with its ambitious solar and battery storage projects aimed at reducing energy costs, improving air quality, and enhancing energy independence. The City of Fresno, along with ForeFront Power, have partnered over the last several years to develop a portfolio of solar energy and battery storage systems across multiple city-owned sites, including the Department of Public Utilities, the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, and the Department of Public Works. 

The City’s renewable energy portfolio has grown from a solar offset in 2020 of 1.7% to 46.3% in 2025, with projects completed, or currently under construction and final design. These projects, located at 10 City sites, were negotiated and developed using incentives, On-Bill Financing, Power Purchase Agreements and energy financing, which means no out-of-pocket costs to the City or taxpayers. Totaling over 34 megawatts of new solar and battery storage projects, the projects are expected to generate 54 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually and save the City of Fresno over $298 million over the next 20 years, money that would otherwise be directed to utility bills. Its largest project at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility is expected to save over $94 million alone. With 17 megawatts of solar and 2 megawatts of battery storage, the Reclamation Facility is not only the biggest project in the City of Fresno’s portfolio but is the largest behind-the-meter solar energy and battery storage project in the United States. These projects are not only fiscally and economically impactful, but are also environmentally responsible. Combined, the City’s projects will offset 38,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year, which is equal to taking 8,000 gas-powered passenger vehicles off the road yearly or planting and growing over 600,000 trees over the next ten years. 

These projects show Fresno’s commitment to a sustainable future and position the City as a nationwide leader in clean energy. By first achieving energy efficiency and load reduction, followed by harnessing renewable energy to power buildings and enhancing access to sustainable practices, the City retains dollars in the local economy, creates jobs, and improves the community’s quality of life. It showcases a significant shift towards renewable energy utilization and shows Fresno is exceeding clean energy goals, creating economic opportunities, and fostering a healthier environment for its residents. 

About the City of Fresno

The City of Fresno was established in 1872 and boasts a wealth of history and culture. Fresno functions as a charter city and follows a Mayor-Council government structure, with a strong mayor serving as the chief executive who holds veto authority. Covering more than 115 square miles, the city is located in the center of the San Joaquin Valley.  For more www.fresno.gov/  

About ForeFront Power

ForeFront Power is a leading developer of commercial and industrial-scale (C&I) solar energy, battery storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging projects in the U.S. and Mexico. ForeFront Power serves business, government, education, healthcare and community solar customers with a broad array of development, asset management and advisory services from its San Francisco headquarters and via teams based in New York, Mexico City, and across the U.S. Learn more at forefrontpower.com/