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San Diego began construction Friday on the first of eight solar-powered “microgrids” it is installing at municipal facilities to reduce the city’s carbon footprint, save taxpayer money and increase community resiliency during power outages.
Growing in popularity, microgrids are local, self-sufficient energy systems that can function independently from the larger grid. San Diego is siting its microgrids at fire and police stations, community centers and recreation centers.
The city estimates the microgrids will save the city $6 million over 25 years. Batteries will store the excess solar energy a site generates, with that energy powering the facility in the afternoons and evenings, when electricity prices rise, said Kelly Terry, senior public information officer.
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