Airport Readies for Solar Farm That Will Provide More Than 30% of Electricity

SACRAMENTO – A new solar farm which is expected to provide more than a third of the electrical needs of Sacramento International Airport is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

Airport staff is working on final permits, inspections, and other finishing touches. Once online, the facility will be capable of producing nearly 8 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 1,600 homes.

The solar farm consists of a photovoltaic system located on two sites on otherwise unused airport property.  It uses more than 23,000 solar panels mounted on equipment that tracks the sun’s path from east to west over the course of the day, maximizing efficiency and energy production.

Energy company NRG owns and operates the airport solar facility and will sell electricity to Sacramento International Airport at below-market rates under a Power Purchase Agreement. Projected cost savings from the project are an average of $850,000 a year over the 25-year term of the agreement.

“This is an exciting development for the Sacramento International Airport. By partnering with a private company, we will have a source of clean, renewable energy that will save us money and further our commitment to sustainable practices,” said John Wheat, Director of Airports for the Sacramento County Department of Airports. “It’s truly a win-win scenario.”

Sacramento International Airport will have a grand opening at a date to be named later.