The City of Palm Desert endeavors to reduce and conserve natural resources through the use of solar photovoltaic systems.

Civic Center Shade Structure Project: In 2001, the Palm Desert Civic Center Shade Structure Project utilized solar power to supplement City Hall power needs. This system consists of two phases of work. The first phase, which has been completed, is a 9.6 kW (9600 watts) photovoltaic (solar) system utilizing 192 Siemens SM50 12-volt photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 50 watts each and a 15 kW inverter.

The second phase for the north-end carport site was designed to handle solar panels and a conduit was installed from the carport to the electrical yard. The carport shade structure will produce 50 kW (50,000 watts) that will utilize 384 photovoltaic panels. This project will commence early 2006.

Bus Shelter Improvement Program: This City project has incorporated solar power as part of its design criteria and construction. The bus shelters are now more environmentally friendly with the incorporation of solar power through the use of photovoltaic panels. The bus shelters have become self-sufficient in that they will no longer require electricity to provide security lighting for passengers.