Burbank Water and Power (BWP) has officially inaugurated the city’s largest solar and battery storage system, marking a significant milestone in Burbank’s commitment to sustainable energy. The $17 million project, located near the Hollywood Burbank Airport, is now fully operational and is a key step toward achieving the city’s goal of 100% zero-carbon energy by 2040.
The facility features a 2.4-megawatt solar system installed on the rooftop of a parking structure at the Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC). This installation comprises 4,260 American-made solar panels covering approximately 174,000 square feet. The energy generated is directly supplied to the Burbank community, enhancing local energy resilience.
To address the intermittent nature of solar power, the project includes a four-hour lithium-ion battery storage system. This allows excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours to be stored and then discharged during periods of high demand, thereby reducing the risk of power outages and ensuring a stable energy supply.
Mandip Samra, General Manager of BWP, emphasized the project’s significance: “This project has been 15 years in the making and will deliver 2 megawatts of zero-carbon power to our community via solar and battery storage.” She also highlighted that the project brings BWP closer to meeting its zero-carbon energy supply goal by 2040, five years earlier than mandated by the State of California.
The collaboration between BWP and the Hollywood Burbank Airport underscores the importance of partnerships in advancing renewable energy initiatives. The airport’s provision of rooftop space for the solar panels exemplifies how existing infrastructure can be leveraged to support sustainable projects.
As Burbank continues to prioritize environmental sustainability, this solar and battery storage system serves as a model for other communities aiming to transition to renewable energy sources. Residents can look forward to a cleaner energy future, with reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy security.