Solar panels have been installed at Lake Tahoe Airport and are set to go live in February, making it South Lake Tahoe city’s first building to run off solar power.
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 US$520,000 in rental fees and energy savings over the 20-year power purchase agreement.
The two-and-a-half-year project is a part of the city’s commitment to moving toward 100% renewable energy. All power generated at the airport will be used by the airport to offset greenhouse gas emissions.
“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.”