OREANDA-NEWS. February 02, 2016.  As one of the largest public users of energy in the country, airports are facing extremely high operating costs due, in large part, to energy. Energy is often an airport’s second largest operating expense!

At the same time, the Federal Aviation Administration is increasing its emphasis on sustainability with initiatives such as the Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) program. VALE is a national program designed to reduce all sources of airport ground emissions. Through VALE, airports are reducing ozone emissions by approximately 478 tons per year, which is equivalent to removing over 26,000 cars and trucks off the road annually.

Solar is an ideal solution for the aviation industry because of its ability to reduce airport energy use, stabilize electricity costs, and improve the bottom line, all while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

Take the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport for example. According to an article in Think Progress, they have a \\$25 million solar project in the works that is expected to produce 3 megawatts of power and generate close to 20 percent of the airport’s total electricity. Airport solar projects like this one are on the rise, helping airports across the country reduce operating costs and air pollution — and generate thousands of aviation industry jobs.

Solar can also help generate non-aeronautical revenue — a solar array can potentially produce more than \\$100K in annual income for your airport. And a solar car port is an amenity that provides covered parking for airport visitors — enhancing traveler satisfaction — as well as drives extra income to the airport at the same time.

Is Solar For You?

With the cost of solar installations declining, it has become a viable financial solution for airports. Want to know more about the solar energy trend and if it can help your airport? Talk to a solar solutions provider who has experience with development, financing, EPC, asset management, and operations and maintenance. They can help you:

  • Determine if solar is a good fit for your airport and what types of solar programs are available
  • Check and see if you have under-valued assets — such as rooftops and open land — that can use solar to generate revenue
  • Find out if solar energy can reduce and stabilize your electricity costs — with little to no upfront investment