Survey finds 20% of US airports have added solar in the past decade

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A recent study carried out by a researcher at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs has found that over the past decade, around 20% airports in the USA have adopted the use of solar panels.


This is a really encouraging step, particularly in a country that has been mixed in recent times on its approach to climate-related matters, but this assessment of 488 public airports suggests that many of them are committed to positive steps in terms of their utilisation of renewable energy.


The researcher in question, Serena Kim PhD, interestingly found that those airports under the oversight of general-purpose governments - whether at city, state or county level - have actually adopted solar panel use at a higher rate than special-purpose governments such as port or airport authorities. 



Serena Kim also found that while airports linked to professional organisations are more likely to have added solar, this is strongly linked to airport governance, with factors such as higher airports' professional organization membership correlating with a higher adoption rate.


The study spanned major airports including Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Tallahassee International Airport and Orlando International Airport. One of the most notable airports in the study was Denver International Airport (DIA), which since 2008 has been one of the biggest solar projects in the US, with an installation of more than 42,000 solar panels across 56 acres.

Airport officials quoted in the study suggested that DIA had been so successful in adopting solar energy projects due to a combination of city government support, airport management, and the backing of its electricity provider.


Speaking on her findings, Kim said “DIA's solar energy project is an example of successful collaborative partnerships. All solar arrays at DIA are developed by public-private partnerships. Private solar companies own and operate the solar systems, and DIA executes power purchase agreements with the private solar companies. Xcel Energy plays a key role in the partnership as they offer rebates to offset the construction costs, purchase excess energy, and retain renewable energy certificates."

"Accessing clean, reliable, and affordable energy is integral to resilient, sustainable, and equitable futures. Policymakers who wish to facilitate on-site solar use should consider strategies for addressing resource and information gaps across investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives."


It’s really encouraging to hear of a promising number of US airports making use of solar energy, but we definitely hope to see that 20% move up closer to 50% and beyond in the coming years.


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