US wastewater plant gets 240-kW solar canopy, cuts power use by 30%

A new 240-kilowatt solar photovoltaic canopy has been installed at the Pendleton Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility (WWTRRF) in Oregon, marking a significant advancement in the city’s efforts to enhance energy resilience and sustainability. The solar canopy is expected to generate approximately 325,000 kWh of electricity annually, offsetting around 30% of the facility’s total energy consumption and reducing operational costs. Beyond energy production, the canopy shades the facility’s chlorine contact chamber, which helps improve water quality, lower effluent temperatures, and support a healthier aquatic ecosystem. The project, delivered through an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) with Ameresco, a Massachusetts-based energy solutions provider, represents a milestone in infrastructure improvement for Pendleton. It was funded through a combination of state grants, utility incentives, and city resources. City officials and Ameresco emphasized the canopy’s role in promoting economic benefits, operational efficiency, and environmental health. Future plans include adding a battery energy storage system (