Government property owners across the United States are increasingly choosing to implement solar panels on their properties to produce clean energy and generate revenue. Adopting solar energy on government buildings presents numerous advantages both economically and environmentally, as demonstrated by the Cities of Louisville, KY and San Antonio, TX. This resource explores why government agencies are adopting these initiatives and offers guidance on how governments can leverage their assets for clean energy and revenue production.
Government agencies can analyze the rooftop solar potential of their properties and advertise available properties for lease directly to a nationwide network of solar developers using LandGate's platform. If you're curious about the potential of your agency's properties, schedule a call with our team today:
Rooftop Solar Energy on Government Buildings
Rooftop solar energy on government buildings presents valuable opportunities that directly benefiting the community by introducing renewable energy to public spaces, lowering government energy expenses, and offering educational prospects. Local governments often possess land and facilities near electricity demand centers, making them ideal candidates for renewable energy generation. By setting a positive example, they can inspire residents and businesses to adopt solar energy, while simultaneously providing an educational experience for the community.
Moreover, the implementation of solar energy on government buildings can stimulate job growth within the renewable energy sector. As the demand for solar installations increases, new jobs will be created, providing employment opportunities for local communities. This can have a positive impact on the economy by boosting consumer spending and increasing tax revenue for the government.
Due to these benefits, there are a growing number of local governments making the switch to be more energy efficient by powering office buildings and other structures with solar arrays. For example, the Pentagon recently announced its plans to install solar panels on the rooftop of its iconic five-sided building. The decision was made as part of the department's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its use of clean energy sources.
Examples of Solar Energy on Government Buildings
Government agencies across the nation are increasingly implementing rooftop solar energy on government-owned buildings to contribute to sustainability initiatives. Three notable examples are the Pentagon, the City of Louisville, KY, and the City of San Antonio, TX.
The Pentagon
Since the early 2000s, renewable energy has become a growing priority across society, and the Pentagon- the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense- is no exception. In a significant move toward sustainability, the Pentagon recently announced plans to install rooftop solar panels on its iconic five-sided structure. This initiative is part of the department’s effort to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt clean energy. The Pentagon is one of 31 federal sites receiving $104 million in Energy Department grants to boost renewable energy. Other grant recipients include Naval bases in Georgia and Washington, as well as the Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Tennessee. These grants are expected to double carbon-free electricity at federal facilities, add 27 megawatts of clean-energy capacity, and leverage $361 million in private investment.
Other agencies participating in this clean energy shift include the Interior and Veterans Affairs departments, the General Services Administration, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Social Security Administration. These projects align with President Biden’s 2021 executive order, which calls for a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from federal operations by 2030 and a net-zero building portfolio by 2045.
The City of Louisville, KY
In October 2024, the City of Louisville, KY announced the installation of rooftop solar panels on three Louisville government buildings as part of its Solarize Louisville program. The solar panels will be installed at Fire Engine 8 in Louisville's Klondike neighborhood, at the Iroquois branch of the Louisville Free Public Library, and on the Southwick Community Center. The panels are expected to save the city about $18,000 each year, and they produce enough solar energy to meet about half the needs of these three buildings. Louisville city leaders highlight the many benefits of going solar, including lower energy bills, increased property value, and support for local solar jobs. Embracing solar power also helps Louisville move closer to its goal of achieving 100% clean energy community-wide by 2040.
The City of San Antonio, TX
In November 2023, the San Antonio City Council approved the largest on-site solar initiative ever undertaken by a local Texas government. This $30 million project will bring 42 solar installations, including rooftop, parking, and parking canopy systems, to city facilities across the area. By September 2024, six of these installations had already been commissioned. The City’s new partnership with local developer Big Sun Solar marks a significant step toward achieving San Antonio’s ambitious goal of zero net energy for all municipal buildings by 2040.
San Antonio’s groundbreaking multi-site solar initiative promises significant energy savings, cost reductions, and local job creation, all while providing added benefits like shade and weather protection. Spanning 42 sites, the project is expected to generate enough electricity annually to offset approximately 11% of the City’s municipal energy consumption. Notably, 23 of these installations will feature parking canopies, which will power on-site municipal operations while offering shade and hail protection for both people and vehicles.
Big Sun Solar, the company behind the project, estimates the initiative will create over 15 full-time jobs. Additionally, their partnership with St. Philip’s College Solar Apprenticeship Program—part of the Alamo Colleges District—will provide hands-on training in solar energy, equipping students with valuable skills for the growing renewable energy sector.
Financial Incentives & Funding For Government Agencies
Financial incentives and funding mechanisms play a crucial role in encouraging government agencies to embrace rooftop solar power. Several options exist to support these initiatives. The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) gives a tax credit of up to 26% of the total cost for solar installations. This incentive significantly reduces upfront expenses, making rooftop solar more financially feasible for government agencies.
Some state and local programs offer money or loans to encourage the use of renewable energy on public properties. These financial incentives can offset installation costs and accelerate the return on investment for government agencies. PPAs allow third-party developers to install and maintain solar systems on government buildings without any upfront payment. This makes it an attractive financing option. The agency then purchases the generated electricity at a predetermined rate over an agreed-upon period. PPAs enable governments to access clean energy without bearing the initial financial burden.
Both BLM and the Department of Energy offer financial assistance and incentives to encourage the development of solar energy projects. This can include grants, loans, or funding programs to support research, development, and deployment of solar technologies, including rooftop solar installations.
Assessing Solar Energy Potential On Public Facilities
Evaluating government facilities for rooftop solar involves finding suitable sites, assessing energy generation, and analyzing economic feasibility. Factors that affect the solar energy potential on rooftops include:
Sun exposure
Available roof space
Structural integrity
Proximity to power grids
These all should be taken into consideration during this project evaluation process. By leveraging advanced technologies like LandGate’s platform, it is easy to assess multiple property assets at once to determine which properties have the most potential for rooftop solar energy. Learn more and get a free site analysis by booking a call with the government team at LandGate:
