The Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the successful completion of its solar array project. The six arrays have since been providing electrical power, offsetting over 90% of the airport's electrical costs for three Airport and three tenant accounts. The project was recognized for its sustainability efforts and energy savings, earning the airport the prestigious Sustainability Award.
During the ceremony, Tom Cleveland, president of IPAA, presented Mark Hanna, the Executive Director of Springfield Airport Authority, with the inaugural Sustainability Award. The solar array operations, designed and constructed in collaboration with Veregy, has resulted in significant energy savings for the airport, amounting to nearly $350,000 annually.
This solar initiative builds upon the airport's previous efforts with the FAA to incorporate solar power into the utility grid. By leveraging existing FAA approvals, the airport implemented a net metering solution, generating increased revenue and substantial budgetary savings.
The solar array at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is the largest airport-owned net metering system in Illinois, delivering an estimated $14.1 million in savings over a 30-year period. The energy generated by the arrays is equivalent to offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from 8 million vehicle miles driven or 7,500 barrels of oil consumed annually.
Mark Hanna, Executive Director of the Airport, said "This solar project fulfills our goals of generating a new revenue source, promoting environmental friendliness, and enhancing our relationships with tenants and community stakeholders."