Burbank Water & Power launches city’s largest solar and battery storage system

Burbank Water and Power officials on Friday marked the ribbon cutting of the city’s largest solar and battery storage system near Hollywood Burbank Airport.

The $17 million project includes a solar system and battery storage that are now fully operational, marking a major step toward the city’s goal of 100% zero-carbon energy by 2040, officials said.

“The 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,” Mandip Samra, general manager of Burbank Water and Power, said in a statement.

The installation is located at the Regional Intermodal Transportation Center and spans about 174,000 square feet atop a parking structure, with roughly 4,260 American-made solar panels capable of powering an estimated 585 homes, according to officials.

The battery system stores excess solar energy generated during the day and releases it during peak demand periods, helping reduce energy costs and improve grid reliability.

Construction on the project was completed in April following a competitive bidding process that began in August 2023, with Baker Electric selected as the contractor, officials said.

“This project demonstrates Burbank’s commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future for our residents,” Burbank Mayor Tamala Takahashi said.

The project was developed in partnership with the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, which operates the airport property.

“The Airport Authority is proud to partner with Burbank Water and Power to put our infrastructure to work for the community, generating clean energy right here in Burbank, where it benefits our residents and businesses most,” said Frank Quintero, secretary of the Airport Authority.

Samra said the project helps reduce reliance on transmission infrastructure, which can take years to build, while advancing the city’s clean energy goals.