Construction is set to begin next year on a solar shade canopy project at Scottsdale City Hall’s parking lot. The $1.97 million initiative, approved by voters through bond financing in 2019, aims to enhance sustainability and provide community benefits.
The project will involve installing photovoltaic “Parasol” canopies over two sections of the parking lot. These canopies are expected to offset about 75% of City Hall’s utility use. According to city staff, the investment should pay for itself within 20 years due to reduced energy costs, with long-term savings projected to surpass the initial expenditure.
In addition to generating renewable energy, the canopies will create shaded areas that can serve as flexible public gathering spaces. This could include hosting city and community events and may potentially become a future location for the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market.
One canopy will cover 34 parking spaces along the east side of the lot near 75th Street, providing clearance for high-profile vehicles and temporary event structures. A second canopy will shade 19 spaces along Bennie Gonzalez Way.
“This is a great example of our bond dollars at work,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “Scottsdale voters made a smart investment in sustainable infrastructure that benefits both residents and the environment.”
The Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission reviewed the project in August 2025. It supports General Plan goals focused on increasing renewable energy production and improving energy efficiency in public facilities.
City Council approved the design phase contract for solar infrastructure at three sites in April 2024 and authorized construction for City Hall on October 21. Construction is scheduled to start in spring 2026 with completion expected later that year.
