Yolo County invites the community to a public groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 16, at 8:30 a.m. to commemorate the start of construction on a new solar energy canopy system at the Yolo County Central Landfill.

According to a Yolo County press release, the event will take place near the intersection of County Road 28H and County Road 104 in Woodland. The 466 kilowatt-DC (kW DC) system, developed in partnership with ForeFront Power, marks a major milestone in the county’s clean energy and climate goals.

“This groundbreaking reflects Yolo County’s commitment to sustainability and responsible stewardship,” stated Chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors Mary Vixie-Sandy. “This project will benefit our environment, residents and budget for years to come.”

Scheduled for completion in late 2025, the solar canopy will generate over 750,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is enough to power approximately 130 homes per year, according to a Yolo County press release. Once operational, the system will offset 89% of the landfill’s electrical consumption and is projected to save the county approximately $2.5 million in electricity costs over the next two decades.

The Yolo County Central Landfill is already a regional leader in sustainable waste operations, home to initiatives such as on-site methane capture, composting, and the Big Blue Barn Thrift Store. The addition of a solar energy system builds on these efforts by providing a clean, renewable power source to help reduce emissions and increase operational efficiency.

“This project is an exciting next step in our mission to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our landfill operations,” stated Yolo County Integrated Waste Management Division Director Marissa Juhler. “We’re proud to continue turning waste management into a model for climate-forward innovation.”

The project supports Yolo County’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), which outlines a goal of achieving net-negative carbon emissions by 2030. Installing the solar system is expected to prevent the release of more than 418 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year—the equivalent of taking 88 gas-powered vehicles off the road.

The groundbreaking event is free and open to the public. County officials and project partners will offer remarks, and light refreshments will be provided.

To learn more about the Integrated Waste Management Division, visit www.YoloCounty.gov. For more information about ForeFront Power, visit www.ForeFrontPower.com.