LADWP advances $24m floating solar pilot at Encino Reservoir

LADWP advances $24m floating solar pilot at Encino ReservoirThe Los Angeles utility has approved a resolution requesting City Council authority to use alternative project delivery methods for a floating photovoltaic system on a non-potable reservoir.

The Board of Water and Power Commissioners approved a resolution for an ordinance to establish Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) criteria for the Encino Reservoir Floating Solar Pilot Project.

The estimated cost for the proposed contract is approximately $24.18 million, with a term of five years plus two one-year renewal options.

The project includes floating solar panels, energy storage, and a small ground-mount system, covering approximately 10% of the reservoir's surface area.

Procurement is expected to take six to eight months, with a subsequent installation timeline of four to eight months.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has moved forward with plans to deploy a floating solar and energy storage system on the Encino Reservoir, marking a significant pilot for the utility’s distributed energy resources strategy. On January 13, 2026, the Board of Water and Power Commissioners voted to approve a resolution requesting the Los Angeles City Council to establish Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) criteria for the project pursuant to the City Charter. The total estimated cost for the contract is approximately $24,175,000. According to Executive Director of Distributed Energy Solutions David Jaco and staff, the Encino Reservoir was selected as the top candidate for the pilot because its water is non-potable. A critical operational constraint for the project is maintaining access for the Los Angeles Fire Department, which utilizes the reservoir for aerial firefighting. Staff confirmed that the floating array will occupy a secluded inlet—approximately 10% of the surface area—leaving the main body of water clear for "Super Scooper" aircraft to collect water during emergencies. The utility is pursuing an EPC model rather than a traditional design-bid-build approach due to the specialized nature of floating solar technology. The proposed contract includes a five-year maintenance period during which the contractor will train LADWP personnel. The long-term goal, negotiated with IBEW Local 18, is for internal utility staff to assume maintenance duties after the initial contract term. Tim O'Connor, the Ratepayer Advocate, noted that while floating solar offers potential efficiency benefits due to the cooling effect of the water, the department must monitor the cost profile compared to other local generation options. Staff indicated that preliminary analysis suggests costs are comparable to carport solar systems. This pilot is part of a broader push to meet the city’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2035. In a related action during the same meeting, the Board also approved a resolution for a separate ordinance to establish EPC criteria for a wider "Plug into Power" community distributed energy resources program, which aims to streamline the deployment of solar and storage across municipal facilities.