NAPLES, Florida — Naples Airport has nearly completed an innovative solar project that enhances the airfield’s resiliency, according to airport officials.
The airport has completed the installation of 270 solar panels on the roof of its newly built warehouse storage building near the North Road Terminal and Fuel Farm. Once operational later this summer, the system will produce approximately 100 kilowatts of AC-generating capacity each day.
“The cost savings by adding solar are substantial, but the environmental impacts are even greater,” said Chris Rozansky, executive director for the Naples Airport Authority. “Naples Airport has been going green for many years, and this solar installation is yet another example of how an airport can be good stewards to the environment while simultaneously making sound financial decisions.”
Some of the airport’s recent sustainability initiatives include the introduction of alternative, cleaner-burning fuels, as well as converting many of its ground vehicles and equipment from gas to electric. Additionally, Naples Airport authorized the design and construction of a new water management system that filters water and removes impurities before runoff flows into the Gordon River and Naples Bay.
The Naples Airport Authority’s board approved an interconnection agreement with Florida Power & Light earlier this year, as required by the Florida Public Service Commission for self-generating utility customers.
General contractor Owen-Ames-Kimball led construction of the airport’s new building, while PayOli Energy designed and installed the rooftop solar array.
Naples Airport is home to several public services, including the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier Mosquito Control District, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Fire Station 3, and Collier County EMS MedFlight. It also serves as a staging hub for recovery operations during emergencies. The airport’s tenants include private and corporate aviation, air charter, aircraft maintenance and repair services, and flight schools. Naples Airport Authority (NAA), an independent government agency that operates Naples Airport, receives no local tax dollars. It is primarily funded through fuel sales, hangar rentals, and other related services. The Florida Department of Transportation has estimated Naples Airport’s annual economic impact at $781 million.
For more information: FlyNaples.com
Note that the 100 kW is the peak power output of the panels.
With an average of 9 hrs of sun a day, that results in 900 kWhrs of electrical power a day.