South Lake Tahoe Airport, city hall to run off solar power
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 02/02/2020 - 10:10am
Solar panels at the Lake Tahoe Airport have finally been installed and are set to go live next month. That will make this building the City’s first to run entirely off solar power.
The 2.5-year project is a part of the City’s goal to move toward 100 percent renewable energy made by City Council back in 2017.
“We are taking our commitment to energy efficiency seriously,” said Mark Gibbs, Airport Manager, “This isn’t just an important environmental decision for the City, it’s also a smart financial one. In truth, this is a win-win for everyone.”
The City partnered with Staten Solar to install solar panels on the rooftops of three City-owned hangars at the Lake Tahoe Airport. The new solar panels are expected to provide 95% of the electricity needed to operate the Lake Tahoe Airport. They will also net the City approximately $520,000 in rental fees and energy savings over the 20-year agreement.
“This is a clear reflection of City Council’s desire for our city to do its part for the environment,” said Chris Fiore, Communications Manager, “We have a long way to go, we know that. However, this is the first step in the right direction, and we are excited to see this project completed.”
The Staten Solar system at the airport has the following environmental benefits to the City.
— Staten Solar’s CO2 annual emissions saved under proposal 384.272 Tons from traditional electricity inputs
— Staten Solar’s annual water saved under proposal 337,763 gal. from traditional electricity inputs
— Average Staten Solar energy mix 94.97 percent solar PV & 5.02 percent traditional utility energy input annualized. All power generated at the airport is used by the airport to offset greenhouse gas emissions.
The City remains committed to achieving its goal of relying on 100 percent renewable energy by 2032. Go here for more on the City’s other sustainability initiatives.
