San Anselmo solar energy project takes shape

San Anselmo is refining the details on a $1 million solar energy project intended to supply power to the public during disasters.

The Planning Commission heard a presentation on the Town Hall “resilience hub” project on June 3. The project will consist of a solar photovoltaic system, a battery energy storage system and a microgrid system to supply “green” energy during extreme weather events and prescribed blackouts.

The site will be used to charge town vehicles, maintain services at sites such as the police station and reduce dependency on generators during emergency services. The site also will provide Wi-Fi and electronic vehicle charging stations for the public, as well as cooling and heating.

“The town of San Anselmo and its staff are continuing efforts to provide and implement energy efficient projects and electrification of downtown facilities,” Matthew Ferrer, a town engineer, said at the meeting.

The project would require building a canopy carport somewhere near Town Hall. The system will provide power to Town Hall, the library and the Central Marin Police Authority station.

Public Works Director Sean Condry described Town Hall as an “island of power” above the flood line.

“The system is actually going to be underground conduit connected to Town Hall,” Condry said.

The project is eligible for an investment tax credit through the Inflation Reduction Act that could result in a 30% cost savings.

The cost of the project will be covered by Measure J funds over the current and next fiscal year, Donery said. Measure J is a one-cent sales tax approved in 2022. The measure is expected to generate about $2.4 million annually.

Utility cost savings will amount to the cost of the project after about 18 years, Condry estimated. The town will also consider selling the solar power to provide a new revenue stream. The town estimates that the project could provide $344,000 in revenue after 25 years.

The town is considering two potential sites, a parking lot north of Magnolia Avenue or two lots west of Town Hall.

Condry said community meetings are planned to discuss the potential locations. Staff will then go to the council to approve the final plans. The total cost of the project will be determined when the style of canopy and column is selected.

Motivated by the threat of flooding, power outages and fire, the Town Council voted to seek proposals on the project in May 2023.

In January, Gridscape Solutions, a company in Fremont, identified the possible locations. A potential plan to install the panels on the roof was nixed because of a lack of space.

Heidi Scoble, the town planning director, said neither of the potential sites was considered an opportunity site in the town’s housing element.

Gary Smith, a planning commissioner, said he was inspired by solar stations at Archie Williams High School and the College of Marin.

“I think it’s a good way for the town to move,” he said. “And I hope it’s not tested frequently.”