The County of Ventura has partnered with ForeFront Power, a leading developer and asset manager of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy and storage projects, to develop a 7.7 megawatt-DC (MW-DC) solar energy and storage expansion project at the Ventura County Government Center.
The 7.7 MW solar and storage project includes a 5.8 MW solar canopy parking system and a 1.9 MW battery storage component installed across Parking Lots “A” – “F” at the County Government Center, making it one of the largest solar canopy and energy storage projects in California. The new system will generate nearly 9 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean, renewable electricity each year—enough to power the annual electricity use of over 1,500 homes in the region—and will offset over half of the facility’s energy consumption.
Although the County of Ventura had already secured renewable electricity through community choice energy procurement, this project provides a more economical path to achieving its sustainability objectives by producing and storing clean energy on-site, reducing costs, improving budget predictability, and increasing energy resilience.
The battery storage component complements the solar installation by storing excess solar electricity generated during the day and making it available when it is most valuable. During periods of high demand or peak electricity prices, the County can draw on stored energy rather than relying solely on the grid. This enables the County of Ventura to maximize the benefits of its on-site renewable energy resources, improve energy cost management, and enhance the overall resilience of operations at the Government Center.
“Every dollar we can save on operating costs helps us make the most of taxpayer funds,” said Thomas Hunt, Director of the County of Ventura’s General Services Agency. “This project is a great example of making a smart, long-term investment that lowers our energy costs, gives us more predictable expenses, and provides lasting value to our residents.”
The project was developed at no upfront cost to the County through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ForeFront Power. Under the terms of the PPA, ForeFront Power will develop, own, and maintain the solar energy and battery storage system for the County. ForeFront Power charges the County a fixed rate for electricity that is lower than the utility rate and locked in for the 20-year duration of the PPA. Over 20 years, the project is projected to save the County more than $21 million in energy costs. Meanwhile, ForeFront Power will continue to operate and maintain the system at no cost to the County.
By partnering with an experienced California public sector developer, the County can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure while minimizing administrative burden and project complexity. The collaboration lets the County draw on ForeFront Power’s specialized expertise in project development, financing, engineering, construction, and long-term operations to deliver reliable clean energy more efficiently and cost-effectively for taxpayers.
“Public agencies shouldn’t feel stuck paying a premium for energy when they can save money and build resilience through on-site generation and storage,” said Ruben R. Fontes, CEO of ForeFront Power. “We manage the complexity of development so the County of Ventura can accelerate its transition to renewable energy without upfront cost or added administrative burden. The County gets affordable energy at a low, predictable price for 20 years, while we shoulder the risk of getting it built and keeping it running.”
The completed system will offset approximately 5,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually—equal to removing the greenhouse gas emissions from 1,060 gasoline-powered vehicles driven for a year—creating a net positive for local air quality for Ventura County residents.
The expansion project is located at the County of Ventura’s main government campus, one of its largest energy-consuming sites. The project reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to delivering long-term value for residents through smart infrastructure investments. By generating renewable energy on-site, the Government Center can reduce its reliance on utility-supplied electricity and lower operating costs over time, allowing public resources to be directed toward essential services and community priorities.
About County of Ventura
The County of Ventura provides vital public services that support the health, safety, and quality of life of more than 840,000 residents across 10 cities and many unincorporated communities. Guided by the Board of Supervisors, the County delivers programs in areas including public safety, public health, social services, environmental stewardship, and economic development. Through collaboration with local, state, and federal partners, the County of Ventura works to build a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for all who live, work, and visit the region.
About ForeFront Power
ForeFront Power is a leading developer of commercial and industrial-scale (C&I) solar energy and battery storage projects in the U.S. and Mexico, also offering fleet electrification services. Over 15 years of working together, the ForeFront Power team has developed more than 1,900 behind-the-meter and community solar projects, totaling more than 1.6 gigawatt-DC of renewable electricity. 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. For more information, visit https://www.forefrontpower.com.
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