VTA breaks ground on solar-powered microgrid to charge electric buses

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority broke ground on a first-of-its-kind project to charge dozens of electric buses using on-site solar power and battery storage. 

The Cerone Microgrid Project at VTA’s Cerone Bus Division in north San Jose will pair large batteries with solar panels and bus-charging infrastructure, according to a press release issued Friday. 

City officials said the system will cut carbon emissions by more than 60%, reduce electricity costs by a third and keep buses running during blackouts. 

Thirty-five battery-electric buses are scheduled for delivery in 2026 as part of VTA’s goal to operate an all zero-emission fleet by 2040, VTA said. 

PG&E is upgrading the division’s power supply to meet increased demand, while San Jose Clean Energy and Lehigh University researchers are partnering on smart-charging and grid coordination. 

VTA estimates the project will save about $1.2 million annually in energy costs, freeing up money for transit service.