Welcome to the Solano County Planning Division's dedicated page for the development of zoning regulations pertaining to siting, permitting and development standards regulating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the unincorporated areas of Solano County.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are advanced technologies that store energy for later use, improving grid reliability and integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Their benefits include enhanced energy security, reduced peak demand, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. However, risks associated with BESS include potential fire hazards, impacts to agricultural land, the environmental impact of battery disposal and decommissioning.

On January 23, 2024, Solano County enacted a two-year moratorium on the approval of front-of-the-meter battery energy storage systems to allow planning staff time to develop land use standards that ensure public safety, health, and welfare. The Planning Services Division is engaging stakeholders and the general public for input and guidance in this process. Please attend an upcoming Public Workshop or submit comments or questions to [email protected].

About the Technical Working Group
The Technical Working Group consisting of stakeholders from various sectors, meets monthly to advise on the ordinance development.

TWG Members:
•  Priscilla Yeaney: Solano County Assistant Agriculture Commissioner
•  Michael O’Connor: Fire Chief Representative
•  Robyn Rains: Solano County Emergency Services Manager
•  Scott Murtishaw: California Energy Storage Alliance Executive Director
•  Sarah Dunn: Community Member
•  Andrew Dye: Solano County Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials

On July 18, 2024, the Solano County Planning Division hosted a public workshop to gather input on the County’s efforts to develop a zoning ordinance for battery energy storage systems (BESS) in response to the Urgency Ordinance approved and extended by the Board of Supervisor on February 27, 2024. Use this link to view the July 18th Workshop Presentation from the meeting (audio recording available upon request).

Speakers from the Solano County Planning Division and Clean Coalition provided an overview of BESS technology and its anticipated impacts on host communities, presenting example projects and detailing applications received in Solano County. They also outlined the alternative permitting pathway under Assembly Bill 205, known as the "Opt-In" process, which allows applicants to bypass local permitting authority. The meeting also outlined plans for continued public engagement as directed by the Board, including a second public workshop anticipated for October 2024.

Public comments identified significant resident concerns about the proximity of BESS facilities to homes and schools, particularly near the Vaca Dixon substation in Vacaville. Commenters advocated for measures to protect taxpayer interests, such as collecting a percentage of revenue generated, funding for independent safety audits, emergency response training, and equipment for first responders. They also stressed the importance of cybersecurity and the need for US-based service and manufacturing requirements. Concerns were raised about potential impacts on property values, insurance rates, and agricultural land protection. Many residents urged placing BESS facilities far from populated areas, while others emphasized that rural communities deserve equal protection. There was strong advocacy for considering safer BESS chemistries, like iron flow and graphene, instead of lithium-ion. Some residents suggested locating BESS projects in the Lambie Industrial Park, where existing natural gas peaker plants offer grid interconnection without the same concerns as those near the Vaca Dixon substation.

The County remains committed to listening to stakeholders as it move towards developing a robust regulatory framework for BESS that prioritizes safety, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

Contact Us
For more information and updates, contact [email protected] or call (707) 784-6765.

Stay Informed
Click to join our email list and receive updates on the BESS ordinance development process.

Join the Conversation
Your input is vital to the success of this initiative. Attend our public workshops and stay engaged to help us create a safer, more sustainable energy future for Solano County.