Expanding onsite and offsite solar generation enables the City to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, lower reliance on fossil fuels, and achieve long-term savings through more predictable energy costs. When paired with battery storage, this initiative will also strengthen the resilience of City facilities, ensuring continuity of services during prolonged power outages.

General Services has advanced multiple solar generation and other renewable energy projects to move Durham toward its 80% renewable energy goal while navigating supply chain challenges, including a vendor bankruptcy affecting one key project.

Key activities include:
• Contracting for the Solar CIP across 5 City sites — WD Hill Rec Center, Walltown Rec, Campus Hills Rec, Weaver Street Rec, and Durham Police HQ — for a combined 487kW expected output, with construction beginning Summer 2026. Additional contracting with FY27 Solar CIP money is anticipated for: Fire Station 1 and Edison Johnson Rec Ctr, among others, which, for the two named sites, will add an additional 117kW output.
• Overseeing the implementation of the Green Source Advantage Quaker Creek Farm Solar project, currently anticipated to become operational in early 2028. 
• Supporting the Biosolids and Renewable Energy Plan with Department of Water Management to explore additional renewable energy pathways.
• Expanding the City's use of R99 Renewable Diesel Fuel, which has significantly reduced Fleet and Transit carbon emissions

Spotlight: CNRE 2030 status: Durham currently sources approximately 40% of energy from renewable sources. Funded projects are expected to push this toward 80% by FY2030.