Yosemite Airport Turns To Solar Energy Technology

Solar energy technology will be installed at Yosemite International Airport in the form of a new 9.5 acre, 2 MW solar pv array.

Airports are always in the news about pollution. Air travel is one of the largest emitter of greenhouse gases on the planet. This is why it's refreshing to hear of an airport fighting back and doing something positive for the environment.

The installation will provide electricity to power 40% of the everyday lighting, air conditioning, controls and tower communications of the airport. The solar installation is expected to save the airport a massive $13 million over the next 20 years.

Fresno Aviation Director Russ Widmar: "Using renewable solar energy will decrease overhead costs and improve the financial performance of our operations. In addition, the solar installation has been constructed on land located near our runways that up until now was unusable."

The airport has teamed up with Sharp Solar, Xantrex Technology Inc., and Mill Valley, who will install and operate the system.

This means the airport has no large up front costs installing the To return to our solar energy technology, with the companies selling the electricity generated to the airport under a long term power purchase agreement.

This is a win/win situation for all involved and it's great to see joint ventures like this.

And it will also boost the green profile of the participating companies. Great news all round!

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