Burbank Water and Power (BWP) recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting of Burbank’s largest solar+storage system at the Hollywood Burbank Airport’s Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC).
The now-operational 2-megawatt (MW) solar system is paired with a 2-MW/8 megawatt-hour (MWh) lithium-ion battery storage system. With the capacity to power approximately 585 homes, the energy generated will go directly to the Burbank community.
15 years in the making, the $17 million project marks a major milestone as Burbank aims to meet its goal of 100% zero-carbon energy by 2040.
“This project is a testament to what’s possible when local institutions work together toward a shared vision,” said Frank Quintero, Secretary of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, in a statement. “The Airport Authority is proud to partner with Burbank Water and Power to put our infrastructure to work for the community, generating clean energy right here in Burbank, where it benefits our residents and businesses most.”
Dense areas like Burbank often present challenges for developers seeking available land for large-scale solar installations. The RITC location provides 174,000 square feet of rooftop space on its parking structure, with room for 4,260 solar panels.
The battery storage system will discharge power to the community during peak usage periods, helping to prevent power outages and reduce costs.
Baker Electric won the competitive bidding process in December 2023; construction was completed in April 2026.
Burbank Mayor Tamala Takahashi added, “I’m so proud to have this solar array in our city. This project demonstrates Burbank’s commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future for our residents.”
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