In 2022, renewable energy systems at County sites produced 18,019 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity. This is enough electricity to power 22.5% of the County’s operations and is equivalent to powering 1,609 homes or removing 2,842 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road for one year. Producing power onsite has made it possible for the 6,000 square foot Santa Ysabel Nature Center to be constructed as a zero net energy (ZNE) building, meaning the building will produce as much electricity as it consumes!

The Department of General Services tracks the total amount of megawatt hours of electricity generated (MWh) by renewable energy systems at County facilities.

Electricity generated by renewable sources for use in County operations results in the lowered greenhouse gas emissions. It decreases reliance on utility companies, reduces air pollution, and leads the County toward greater energy independence.

The County aims to produce 10% of its electricity from on-site renewables by 2020 and 20% by 2030. In 2021, 16,702 MWh were produced on-site at County facilities. Additional installations are schedule to be installed through 2030 per the County's Zero Net Energy Portfolio Plan. In addition, every new County building or major alteration must undergo a zero net energy (ZNE) feasibility study, which has led to ZNE designs for the Santa Ysabel Nature Center and the Santee Assessor’s office. ZNE buildings incorporate solar photovoltaic installations and energy efficient design to allow the building to operate completely within the total amount of energy it produces.