SLO County Airport begins solar canopy project
SLO County Regional Airport.
Project is expected to be completed in the fall
– San Luis Obispo County Airport will install a 940-kilowatt solar carport canopy system over its largest passenger parking lot beginning June 2. The project is expected to be completed in the fall.
Developed in collaboration with the San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department and renewable energy developer ForeFront Power, the system will generate enough electricity to offset the airport’s total annual energy use across multiple facilities. The airport will pay a fixed electricity rate for the next 20 years.
“Producing our own energy allows us to lock in a predictable energy cost for the next two decades. In an environment where electricity prices are difficult to forecast and often fluctuating, this project allows us to have greater confidence in our financial planning and frees up resources to improve the passenger experience,” said Courtney Johnson, director of airports. “In addition to being good for the environment, this project is a strategic move to manage long-term costs. By generating our own clean, renewable energy, we are creating a more resilient airport that’s positioned for the future.”
The canopies will provide shaded parking and energy-efficient lighting for passenger vehicles. Construction will take place in two phases to reduce parking disruptions. A resurfaced temporary lot will be available to provide additional parking during the project. Travelers can find maps and parking details on the airport’s website.
The installation coincides with other sustainability-focused initiatives at the airport. These include the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, energy efficiency improvements at the terminal, and the completion of the airport’s first sustainability and decarbonization plan, which outlines short-, medium- and long-term strategies for reducing operational costs and improving site resiliency.
More information about these initiatives can be found at www.sloairport.com/greensbp. General airport information is available at www.sloairport.com.
