Tallahassee Regional Airport Installs Solar Power

As part of an on-going sustainability initiative to promote green technologies and reduce operating costs, the Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH) announced today the installation of a solar PV system in the main terminal. The project will generate about 20 kW of solar power a day and was initiated as part of the airport’s water intrusion project.

“The installation of the solar panel at the airport demonstrates the city’s determination to reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” said City Commissioner Nancy Miller, the lead commissioner on the Environmental and Energy Resources Target Issue Committee. “The airport management is to be commended for their efforts to cut energy costs and increase energy efficiency.”

When flying into the airport, passengers will see 176 PV laminate solar panels neatly affixed atop the northeast side of the terminal. The solar project is expected to generate an annual energy saving of 45,000 kWh and save approximately 36 tons of carbon dioxide per year. The system was designed and engineered by Simpler Solar Systems. Renitta Knight Construction LLC, a Florida Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certified company, provided construction management and participated in the installation of the solar system.

Visitors to the main terminal are invited to visit the solar display cabinet located in the baggage claim area to watch the system activity monitor production and performance of the system in real time.

“Our airport needs to be as cost effective and energy efficient as possible, and the solar installation is an initial step toward achieving that goal,” said Sunil Harman, director of Aviation. “We continue to evaluate other cost-cutting energy efficiency projects that support the city’s sustainability program.”