Solar and Microgrid Installations: Essential Insights for Airports

By Kaitlyn Schlosser, PE, Project Engineer, Aviation; Doug Mutcher, PE, LEED, Principal Engineer, Electrical; Stephanie Senst,PE, Service Lead, Aviation 

Incorporating solar energy into the airport environment, along with microgrid technology, is becoming a strategic priority for many airports, as it helps offset utility power during peak hours and generates revenue in areas that are otherwise undeveloped. 

Navigating the complexities of solar installation at airports can be daunting, as many are unsure where to begin or overlook crucial factors. This article will examine key considerations for developing solar energy around airports.  

The Solar Perspective 

When considering solar installations, it's crucial to evaluate the location of solar panels. Areas that seem suitable may present challenges such as shading, setbacks, and glare. 

Shading and Setbacks: To maximize solar output, panels should be placed to avoid shading during peak sunlight hours. In regions like Wisconsin, structures like trees or hangars can impact an array's efficiency. Solar panels are also subject to setback requirements, including municipal, electrical, and fire codes that require restricted access to the array. 

Glare: Glare is another critical consideration. In 2021, the FAA updated guidance on glint and glare for solar developments, emphasizing the impact on Air Traffic Control Towers. While the effect on pilots is compared to reflections from water bodies, it remains essential to evaluate potential glare, even in the absence of a control tower. For instance, developments near roadways should also assess glare impacts that could blind drivers on those adjacent roads. 

Utility Coordination: Early engagement with utility companies is vital. Utility providers’ interconnection approval is required. Utilities will study the effects of the additional generation to ensure the added power generation integrates smoothly with the existing grid. This coordination helps maintain power quality and take reasonable steps to support capacity when solar is offline or on overcast days. 

The Aviation Angle 

Integrating solar energy into an airport environment requires various FAA approval processes, including addressing land use designation and compliance with ALP Approval Authority.  

Runway Protections: To protect runways and approaches, solar developments are prohibited in several FAA-defined protection zones. Common areas that might seem ideal but are not permitted for solar development include: Runway Protection Zones (RPZ), Runway Object Free Areas (ROFA), and Runway Visibility Zones (RVZ). 

In addition to runway protection zones, solar developments are prohibited in taxiway safety areas and taxiway object-free areas. 

Land Use Designation: The installation of a solar facility requires designating airport land as "non-aeronautical" on the current Airport Layout Plan (ALP). If the preferred development area is not designated as non-aeronautical, the airport should coordinate with the State Aviation Authority and the FAA to ensure that the airport’s planning and ALP are up to date.  

ALP Approval Authority: Similar to other airport projects, the FAA must review the project to determine if the FAA has ALP Approval Authority for that project. The FAA’s ALP Approval Authority only extends to projects that impact aviation safety or ground safety due to aircraft operations. Projects outside these criteria aren't eligible for FAA funding and may need a revised ALP for approval. If the FAA determines it has approval authority over the project, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is triggered. Thus, the project will be required to submit NEPA documentation, such as Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) or a higher level of environmental study, such as an Environmental Assessment (EA).  

Airspace: For all airport projects, including solar installations, it's essential to submit an FAA Form 7460 to initiate the FAA review and determine if the project poses a hazard to air navigation. FAA 7460 review will also include temporary construction equipment such as cranes or backhoes. Preliminary evaluations of FAA surfaces can offer early insights into potential hazards that may be identified during the FAA review process.  

Lease Terms: As an airport pursues solar developments with third-party Owners/Operators, lease agreements should be developed to protect the airport from uses that are detrimental to its operation and development. When negotiating lease terms, it is recommended that the airport coordinate with the State Aviation Authority to ensure agreements meet all FAA grant obligations and other requirements.  

Integrating solar energy at airports enhances energy efficiency and revenue, while also promoting sustainable aviation practices. By addressing challenges such as glare, utility coordination, and ensuring FAA compliance, airports can successfully integrate solar solutions.  

When initiating a solar project, airports should contact the State Aviation Authority and the FAA ADO to ensure compliance with current FAA policies and regulations.  

Airport Microgrid and Energy Storage Technology 

A microgrid is a broad term that encompasses various aspects related to both power generation and load. Many facilities operate in conjunction with existing utility services to minimize the power they consume from the utility by utilizing on-site sources, such as solar energy, energy storage, and traditional internal combustion generators. These systems can include load controls similar to a saver switch, which many utilities offer customers for a credit on their residential air conditioning systems.  

In a microgrid, the building automation systems can be programmed to communicate with a microgrid controller to do things like turn off/dim non-essential lighting, curtail/slow cooling/heating for a period, curtail/slow EV charging, etc., as needed to meet the objectives of the microgrid. Another type of microgrid is one that can “Island” from the utility, meaning they can power an airport facility without any power from the utility. With proper sizing of onsite generation, energy storage, and load management, these microgrids can keep a facility operational during utility power loss. 

In addition to the advancement of microgrids, the push for electric aircraft development has accelerated, leading to the anticipated integration of charging stations for the aircraft. The electrification of aircraft ground power and ground support EVs has increased electrical use at airports. Power demands can pose challenges in both rural and urban settings. Innovations in energy storage are paving the way for solutions. These systems can supplement utility power with stored energy by load shifting and flattening facility demand on existing electrical services and infrastructure. 

Maximize Airport Efficiency with Solar 

Incorporating solar energy efforts not only supports sustainable aviation practices but also prepares airports for future energy demands through innovations in energy storage and microgrids. Contact our aviation experts for assistance in transforming your airport.