Ameresco Celebrates Completion of Solar Canopy Installation in Collaboration with the City of Pendleton, Oregon

Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a prominent energy solutions company focused on supporting clients through the energy transition, together with the City of Pendleton, Oregon, held a ribbon-cutting event today to mark the completion of a 240-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) canopy installation at the Pendleton Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility (WWTRRF).

This groundbreaking solar canopy—the first of its kind in the region—marks a significant achievement in the City of Pendleton’s continued pursuit of energy resilience, efficiency, and innovation, with support from Ameresco. The system is projected to produce approximately 325,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, offsetting around 30% of the total energy use at the Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility.

“This project represents a key advancement in our mission to implement efficient and resilient solutions for our city,” said Kyle Willman, Superintendent of the WWTRRF. “The solar canopy not only lowers our energy costs and carbon footprint, but it also improves the overall performance of our treatment facility in ways that benefit the wider community. We appreciate our partnership with Ameresco and the state and local support that made this innovative investment possible.”

Beyond generating on-site energy and reducing costs, the canopy provides shade over the facility’s chlorine contact chamber, enhancing water quality, lowering effluent temperatures, and promoting a healthier aquatic environment. This project is part of a larger, multi-phase infrastructure improvement plan and was executed through an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) with Ameresco, which included performance and pricing guarantees and prioritized involvement from disadvantaged and local businesses.

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The Pendleton WWTRRF project was financed through a mix of state funding—including the Oregon Department of Energy’s C-REP grant—along with utility incentives and city contributions. As part of the City’s broader strategy to boost the WWTRRF’s reliability and resilience, future plans include the addition of a battery energy storage system (BESS) to complement the solar canopy and further reduce the facility’s operating expenses.

“We’re honored to collaborate with the City of Pendleton in its efforts to build a more resilient future,” said Lou Maltezos, President of Central & Western USA and Canada Regions at Ameresco. “This solar canopy project demonstrates how forward-thinking energy solutions can bring real economic advantages while strengthening critical municipal infrastructure. It enhances operational efficiency, supports the local environment, and delivers lasting energy savings for the community.”