TotalEnergies Completes One of Sonoma County’s Largest Solar-Plus-Storage Energy Projects

TotalEnergies announced the completion of a 4.1 MW solar and 1.55 MWh battery storage project at Sonoma State University (SSU), one of the largest solar plus battery systems in Sonoma County, California. Driven by the California State University (CSU) system-wide commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, the project advances campus sustainability strategy and expands TotalEnergies’ robust, decade-long partnership modernizing CSU energy infrastructure across the state. 

“Sonoma State University’s investment in solar infrastructure is a meaningful example of how CSU campuses are advancing the system’s broader goal of carbon neutrality by 2045,” said Lindsey Rowell, chief of energy, sustainability and transportation in the California State University Office of the Chancellor. “TotalEnergies has been a significant partner in this work, supporting more than 30 percent of the CSU’s solar projects across our 22 campuses.”

"For many years, TotalEnergies has had the privilege of partnering with the CSU system to advance sustainable energy across California, with more than 20 MW of completed solar and battery storage projects—and more on the way,” said Eric Potts, managing director of TotalEnergies Distributed Generation USA. “Together with SSU, we are building more than just modern energy infrastructure, we’re inspiring a cleaner, more resilient future for the next generation of climate leaders."

Powering Campus Resilience and Hands-On Education  

The solar carports, which span five campus parking lots, are expected to generate more than 7.9 million kWh of clean energy in the first year of production while also providing shade and shelter for vehicles. The site’s battery storage system captures surplus energy to be deployed when grid demand and utility costs peak, a strategy that is estimated to save the university over $5 million in utility costs over the first five years. 

Designed with advanced microgrid-ready capabilities, the system can also seamlessly isolate from the grid during localized Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) common in California to ensure critical campus infrastructure remains fully operational.

Beyond energy generation and storage, the project serves as a powerful hands-on educational tool. At Sonoma State University, faculty and students are leveraging the new infrastructure as a living laboratory to analyze real-time clean energy data for a deeper, practical understanding of today’s evolving energy landscape. 

“Projects of this scale are complex and often take years to move from concept to completion,” said Dana Twedell, SSU’s associate vice president for facilities operations and planning. “TotalEnergies was a collaborative and responsive partner, working closely with us to navigate challenges and bring the project across the finish line.” 

No Upfront Costs Drive Savings Back into Academic Priorities 

Through a structured Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), TotalEnergies fully financed, designed and constructed the solar and storage system at zero upfront cost to Sonoma State University. Under this agreement, the university purchases the clean energy generated at a rate lower than local utility prices, while TotalEnergies manages all ongoing operations, performance and maintenance.

By avoiding capital outlay, SSU was able to preserve its funds for critical campus infrastructure and core educational needs. Meanwhile, the resulting utility savings are being redirected into the Green Revolving Fund to support students, research, and academic excellence.

Sonoma State University is the latest addition to TotalEnergies’ expansive higher education portfolio, which spans hundreds of solar and storage installations across university campuses, community colleges, and K-12 school districts nationwide. 

TotalEnergies | https://totalenergies.com/