Some residents of Concord, California are up in arms over a 1,000-panel solar power project that could soon be approved by the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD).

The CCWD board has already approved two major solar energy projects this year. One is a roughly 1,000-panel solar array at the Baily pump station, next to Newhall Park. The other, of similar size, is located at Lime Ridge pump station.

However, it’s the third solar project — to be sited alongside San Miguel pump station on Treat Boulevard in Concord — that’s causing a stir.

Those opposed to the project cite three general concerns. First, that the solar array may block open views. Second, that surrounding property values may take a hit once the solar installation is in place. And third, that the new solar array may increase crime in the area. (Some areas in California have experienced an uptick in solar-panel theft.)

Despite these potential drawbacks, the water district plans to go ahead with the solar installation. According to the San Jose Mercury News, the district expects to save over $100,000 per year in utility costs courtesy of the three solar energy systems; the third system alone will save approximately $40,000 annually. Pumping water can be incredibly energy-intensive. A well-designed solar array can help mitigate these costs.

And as far as the panels being installed in close proximity to nearby houses? Concord Assistant City Manager Valerie Barone says that’s district-owned land — and Concord won’t require permits to install the panels there because the clean energy system will directly benefit the San Miguel pump station. Moreover, Concord has already moved the installation site further away from homes than what was initially planned because of neighbor complaints.

The somewhat controversial solar project is projected to generate over half of San Miguel station’s annual energy use. According to a district staff report, the system will pump out 368,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year. The San Miguel station, by way of reference, uses 604,000 kWh annually.

CCWD has contracted with Mill Valley, California-based Solar Power Partners (SPP) to install and maintain the panels. SPP will combine tax credits with a PG&E incentive to pay for the system, and then it will sell the electricity back to CCWD at lower rate than the district would pay Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).