Saratoga Solar Library Project Reaches Completion

There is light at the end of the tunnel, or on top of the Saratoga Library’s roof.

On Wednesday, the Saratoga City Council heard a report from the Public Works Department about the completion of the library’s solar panel project, which began construction in March.

Paid for by the remaining renovation funds for the library, the panels were installed by California Central Solar Electric for $220,000.

The contract included the installation of a new roof for the solar panels, and tying the solar system into the city’s power meter, said Mainini Cabute, an administrative analyst with Saratoga City Manager Dave Anderson's office.

The solar panels provide electricity that powers the electric vehicle charging stations next to the library, the lights in the parking lot of the library, and the well and irrigation pump system at the Heritage Orchard.

“The panels are not only a great use of funds, but are saving the city money,” said Saratoga Mayor Chuck Page, pointing out Saratoga can still be energy-conscious while keeping a careful eye on the use of tax dollars.

Saratoga also just installed eight electric vehicle charging stations around the city. The city hosted a combined ribbon-cutting ceremony for these and the library's solar panels on Sept. 12.

While the Saratoga Library is part of Santa Clara County Library District, the City of Saratoga owns the physical building, said Page.

“Overall, the quality of construction completed through this contract was very satisfactory,” reads a project report prepared by the Saratoga Public Works Department. “The project was completed on time and within the budget.”