Pittsburgh Airport’s Solar Juggernaut: 11,000+ Panels To Supercharge Regional Grid

A jumbo-sized commitment to sustainability is taking flight at Pittsburgh International Airport. Officials announced plans to install a whopping 11,216 solar panels on a closed landfill adjacent to the airport. Yeah, that’s right – 11,000+ solar panels on what used to be garbage. Talk about a glow-up.

The expansion will sprawl across approximately 12 acres, complementing the airport’s existing eight-acre solar array. When complete in 2027, this solar behemoth will generate an additional 4.7 megawatts of electricity. Not too shabby for a facility that already boasts the first microgrid to power an entire U.S. airport.

Pittsburgh’s solar ambitions reach new heights with a 12-acre expansion that packs serious renewable punch. Airport innovation at its brightest.

Pittsburgh’s airport isn’t messing around with its green credentials. The current microgrid delivers 23 megawatts through a combination of solar power and natural gas generators. The project aligns with global trends showing solar power growth doubling in just three years worldwide. The new panels will push their renewable generation into overdrive. Most of this solar juice won’t even stay at the airport – it’ll flow directly into the regional power grid, benefiting the broader Pittsburgh area.

The environmental impact? About 5 million pounds of carbon emissions slashed annually. That’s a lot of pollution that won’t be hanging around in Pittsburgh’s air. And they’re doing it without chewing up pristine land. Smart move.

This clean energy juggernaut is a team effort. The Pittsburgh International Airport has partnered with Duquesne Light Company and IMG Energy Solutions to make it happen. For DLC, it’s their first power purchase agreement for solar energy. Milestone moment. IMG will be responsible for owning and operating the expanded solar field.

Local officials are practically giddy about the project. The Allegheny County Airport Authority sees it as cementing Pittsburgh’s position among the nation’s most sustainable airports. County executives are on board too, touting both environmental and economic benefits. Airport CEO Christina Cassotis has emphasized the facility’s commitment to regional energy innovation through this groundbreaking project.

The microgrid already gives the airport rock-solid reliability. Now they’re spreading the renewable love to local businesses and homes through the regional grid. Pittsburgh’s airport isn’t just moving people anymore – it’s moving toward a cleaner future. Ready for takeoff.