Madera County Saves Big with Solar and Energy Efficiency Project
Improvements made across three major county sites
MADERA, Calif. — The Madera County Board of Supervisors announced it has completed the latest chapter in its successful solar and energy efficiency program with OpTerra Energy Services. The development of the program began in 2013 and delivery of energy improvements across three major county sites has been aligned with the county’s broader objective to maintain fiscal stewardship while improving community facilities. The county is set to achieve nearly $15 million in energy savings as a result of the comprehensive solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
Starting in late 2013, Madera County leadership collaborated with a California-based team of engineers from OpTerra to develop an approach to improve energy performance and enhance three county facilities — the County Library, Government Center, and Jail Complex serving the County Jail, Juvenile Hall, Juvenile Services Division, Boot Camp, and Sheriff’s Department. The energy efficiency program began construction in late 2014, just in time to leverage $1.4 million in state renewable incentives offered through the California Solar Initiative (CSI). This was one of the last large CSI awards given throughout the state before the rebate program ended.