Photovoltaic Solar Rooftop System Replacement Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025110565
Public Agency
Sonoma County Water Agency
Document Title
Photovoltaic Solar Rooftop System Replacement Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/14/2025
Document Description
Sonoma County Water Agency’s (Sonoma Water) project is to enter into a lease agreement with Scale Microgrid Solutions Operating, LLC (Scale Microgrid) to replace the existing rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar system and appurtenances with a new PV solar system. Scale Microgrid will finance, design, remove, replace, reconstruct, own, operate, and maintain a new PV solar and battery energy storage system. Scale Microgrid will sell the electricity generated from the system and provide resiliency services to Sonoma Water under a 20-year agreement.
The lease agreement will allow for 1) the removal and replacement of an existing rooftop PV solar system with a new, more efficient system, including switchgear equipment, which will be relocated from inside the building to a 250-square foot area on the south side of the building, were it will be installed on a concrete pad and enclosed by fencing; and 2) the installation of a new battery energy storage system and associated appurtenances in a 550-square foot area on the west side of the building, enclosed by a masonry wall. The battery energy storage system is designed to enhance energy resilience by providing backup power for critical operations during grid outages.
The nature of the project is to support Sonoma Water in achieving its Energy Policy goal of delivering carbon free water by continuing to utilize on-site renewable energy. The project benefits Sonoma Water by providing a cost-effective on-site renewable power supply to its headquarters facility and enhancing power resilience through the integration of battery energy storage, which will provide backup power during extended outages.
Contact Information
Name
Yvette O'Keefe
Agency Name
Sonoma County Water Agency
Job Title
Senior Environmental Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Santa Rosa
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Citywide
Other Location Info
404 Aviation Boulevard, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301(a)(b): Existing Facilities and 15302(c): Replacement or Reconstruction
Reasons for Exemption
The project will consist of leasing existing publicly owned structures to allow for the replacement and reconstruction of an existing rooftop PV solar system including switchgear equipment, installation of a battery energy storage system, and the operation and maintenance of the systems used to provide electric power involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use or capacity. The project will not degrade the quality of the environment, nor result in significant environmental effects or impacts on any known historical resources. It is located on a previously developed site, does not involve removal of mature vegetation, and does not occur in sensitive environmental areas. The project will provide continued and improved renewable energy generation and resiliency without increasing the physical footprint or intensity of use of the site.
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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