Gilroy Fire Station Set For Panel Upgrades After $100K Grant

GILROY, CA — The South Santa Clara County Fire District is set to receive a $100,000 grant from Silicon Valley Clean Energy to install photovoltaic panels and a battery backup system at the Masten Fire Station in Gilroy.

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will consider approving nearly $119,000 on Tuesday for the project and redirecting some funds to cover the rest of the cost. The grant agreement between the South Santa Clara County Fire District and Silicon Valley Clean Energy was ratified Jan. 11 by the fire district’s Board of Directors.

The project is expected to save nearly $8,500 in energy costs in its first year, and over $410,000 in the 30-year lifespan of the installed equipment.

The net project savings over 30 years would be over $294,000 — and it could be higher if PG&E raises its prices because of bankruptcy and fire-related liabilities, according to a staff report.

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors is set to discuss the item during Tuesday's meeting, which begins at 9:30 a.m. Click here for the staff report and here for information on how to watch.