Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) has completed its $14.3 million solar project at Tucson International Airport (TUS), which TAA began in 2013. The project, which was funded by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) grants, installed 51 solar panels and 78 solar arrays.
The design engineering team for the project consisted of Monrad Engineering, Inc., DOWL HKM, Herzog Associates, Schneider Structural Engineers, Wheat Design Group, and Sturgeon Electric.
Energy savings from the project are projected to be $35,000 monthly. Each month, the solar panels and arrays will generate 411,800 kilowatt hours of electricity, replacing 25,000 gallons of gasoline, and reducing TUS’s carbon footprint by 245 tons of carbon dioxide each month.
“This landmark solar project is significant for the airport as well as our community because it saves money while creating jobs and additional economic opportunities here in Tucson,” said Bonnie Allin, TAA president and CEO. “We could not be more appreciative of the FAA’s support of our vision for a cutting edge solar project that not only benefits the environment but that also has a collateral benefit of covered parking for our customers. Additionally, it showcases the airport and community’s strong commitments to environmental and social responsibility as visitors flying into Tucson immediately see the value we place on clean, efficient and affordable production of electricity.”
