A new solar array that is expected to generate enough power for tens of thousands of homes is coming online at Pendleton’s wastewater facility, offsetting the energy the facility uses annually. 

City officials along with those from energy technology company Ameresco will have a ribbon cutting for the 240-kilowatt solar canopy from 1-2 p.m. June 11 at the city’s Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility, according to a release. 

Work on the $1.8 million project began last fall and the installation is expected to generate 325,000 kilowatts of electricity annually. The installation not only will generate power but also provide shade to the facility’s chlorine contact chamber, making it more efficient and less expensive to operate. 

“This has been an idea for about 10 years, so it feels awesome to be here,” said Kyle Willman, technician and lead plant operator in a past statement. “We really try to focus on recovering as many resources as we can, and this project will cut about 30% off our power bill annually. I can’t wait to move forward.” 

The project is part of a broader initiative to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint and operational costs. In addition to the solar PV canopy, future plans include the integration of a battery energy storage system that will further enhance the facility’s energy management capabilities.