As the world shifts towards sustainable and renewable energy sources, solar power has gained significant attention as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. With the increasing demand for electricity, many countries are looking for ways to enhance their renewable energy capacity. One of the most promising solutions is utilizing airport land for renewable energy projects. In particular, airport solar farms have become popular due to their numerous benefits. In this resource, we'll explore some of the advantages of using airport land for solar energy production and offer guidance for how airports can transform their underutilized lands into solar farms.
LandGate makes it easy for airport property owners and government agencies to identify their land's potential for solar energy and battery storage development. By listing airport land for lease on LandGate's platform for free, airports can display their underutilized properties directly to a vast network of solar energy developers actively seeking suitable properties for new projects. Join current LandGate users like the Tucson Airport Authority and the Denver International Airport and uncover the potential of your properties for solar energy by booking a call with LandGate's team today:
Why is Airport Land Good for Solar?
Airports occupy vast stretches of underutilized land, offering an excellent opportunity for solar energy projects. These areas are often unsuitable for other purposes due to noise from low-flying aircraft, but their unique characteristics make them ideal for solar installations. Typically flat, open, and located in remote areas with minimal shading from buildings or trees, airport properties provide unobstructed access to sunlight—perfect conditions for solar panels. Moreover, the airport itself serves as a large, nearby energy consumer, making such projects particularly appealing to solar companies.
In 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration released a study that suggested that airports are an ideal location for solar panels, which has resulted in an increase in airport solar farms over the last decade. Across the country, there are tens of thousands of airports and airfields, many strategically located as flat expanses near cities, towns, or population centers—further enhancing their suitability for solar development. In the United States alone, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identifies 14,400 private-use airports and 5,000 public-use airports. This immense network underscores the significant potential of airports to drive clean energy growth by hosting solar projects on their land.
Benefits of Airport Solar Farms
Airport solar farms present a unique opportunity to harness renewable energy while making efficient use of underutilized land. By installing solar panels on vast, open spaces such as rooftops, parking lots, and non-operational areas, airports can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future. These projects serve as a model for innovation, demonstrating how essential infrastructure can play a pivotal role in combating climate change and producing additional revenue.
Revives Underutilized Land:Â Airports often encompass vast areas of unused land, offering a unique opportunity to generate renewable energy through solar farms. By installing solar panels on these otherwise unproductive spaces, airports can efficiently harness solar energy while maximizing land use. As airports continue to expand and acquire more land, solar installations present a sustainable and practical solution. Compared to traditional agricultural use, solar farms require significantly less maintenance. Instead of managing sprawling grasslands or cultivating crops in areas that may attract wildlife, solar panels provide an eco-friendly alternative that conserves valuable farmland and reduces environmental impact.
Environmental Benefits: The use of airport land for solar energy production has numerous environmental benefits. First, it reduces the need for land development in other areas, preserving natural habitats and ecosystems. This is especially important in densely populated countries where available land for industrial use is scarce. Moreover, solar energy production does not emit any harmful greenhouse gases, making it a clean source of electricity. Denver International Airport (DIA) is a great example of this, as the airport was one of the first to install solar panels on airport property. According to DIA's website, the 42,614 solar photovoltaic arrays with a capacity of 10 megawatts could offset almost 12,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
Economic Benefits of Airport Solar Farms: Leasing airport land for solar projects offers not only environmental advantages but also substantial economic benefits. Airports, often situated near cities or towns, are well-positioned to take advantage of existing infrastructure like roads and power grids. This proximity significantly lowers the costs associated with building new infrastructure for solar developments. In addition to these savings, airports can generate a steady stream of revenue by leasing their land for solar farms. This added income can help offset operational expenses and, in turn, may even contribute to lower air travel costs for consumers.
Utilize Existing Resources: One significant benefit of using airport land for solar energy is the efficient use of existing resources without disrupting other industries or communities. Airports are already established on these lands, eliminating the risk of displacing people or businesses to install solar panels. Additionally, this approach avoids potential conflicts with other land uses, such as agriculture or residential development, ensuring a harmonious and practical solution for clean energy adoption.
Why Should Airports Lease Their Properties for Solar Energy?
Leasing airport properties for solar energy presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the global shift toward renewable power while maximizing the utility of unused or underutilized land. Airports have vast areas of open space that are ideal for solar installations, enabling them to generate clean energy, reduce carbon footprints, and create additional revenue streams. This innovative approach aligns with sustainability goals without interfering with core airport operations or surrounding communities.
1) Generates Revenue
When airports lease their land for renewable energy projects, they have the opportunity to generate revenue through lease payments. Solar leases generally pay between $700-2,000 per acre per year, presenting airports with a significant opportunity to generate additional income from their property.
2) Saves Electricity Costs
Utilizing airport land for solar farms can also help airports save on their electricity costs. By using solar energy, airports are able to offset a portion of their electricity usage and potentially reduce their energy bills by a significant amount.
DIA serves as an excellent example of how airports can leverage their property to achieve significant cost savings in electricity. By operating 10 megawatts (MW) solar facilities, DIA not only reduces its carbon footprint but also benefits from lower-than-average electricity costs for the energy generated by the solar arrays installed after 2012. Any surplus electricity is sold back to the utility through the Xcel Solar Rewards program. All contracts undergo the city council's approval process, and the aviation department collaborates closely with the city government's sustainability department to ensure alignment and success.
3) Promotes Sustainability
With growing concerns about the environment and climate change, airports that utilize their land for solar projects demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This can improve the airport's public image and attract positive attention from customers and the community.
The Rise of Airport Solar Farms
Overall, utilizing airport land for solar projects provides benefits to both the public and airports. It promotes sustainability, generates revenue, reduces electricity costs, and utilizes existing resources without disrupting other industries or communities. However, only around 20% of airports across the United States have adopted solar power over the last decade. As more airports recognize these benefits and make the transition to solar energy, it will have a positive impact on the environment and the economy, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
Airport property owners can list their land for lease for solar energy for free on LandGate's one-of-a-kind marketplace for exposure to a wide network of solar energy developers and investors. LandGate can also assist with site analysis, site prioritization, and procurement materials, providing a unique solution to help airports leverage their property for renewable energy. To learn more, book a free consultation call with our team:
