Sacramento, CA, December 14, 2017 – Sacramento International Airport officials and community representatives today celebrated the opening of a new solar facility which is expected to provide more than 30 percent of the airport’s electricity. It is the largest on-airport solar facility in California
The airport had no costs for construction. The capital investment was provided by NRG, which financed construction by Borrego Solar. NRG owns and operates the facility and will sell electricity to Sacramento International Airport at a reduced rate under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Projected cost savings from the project are an average of $850,000 annually throughout the 25-year term of the agreement.
The 7.9 megawatt solar farm consists of a 15-acre east site on Aviation Drive and a 20-acre site north of the runway. The facility is comprised of more than 23,000 LG solar panels mounted on NEXTracker racking that tracks the sun’s path from east to west over the course of the day, maximizing efficiency and energy production.
The electricity generated by the facility is enough to power 1,600 homes a year.
Solar arrays have been producing energy since Nov. 30. Today’s event, taking place on a crisp, sunny Sacramento morning, was a celebration of months of hard work and collaboration.
“This is an exciting development for the Sacramento International Airport. By partnering with a private company, we have a source of clean, renewable energy that will save money and furthers our commitment to sustainable practices,” said John Wheat, Director of Airports for the Sacramento County Department of Airports. “It’s truly a win-win scenario.”
“Over 10 million travelers fly in and out of Sacramento Airport each year who will now be able to see the value of solar at work and witness the airport’s commitment to clean, reliable, renewable energy,” said Kevin Prince, Sr. Director of Business Development, NRG Renewables. “The airport and county had the vision to embrace solar technology. With this system now operational, we can offset one-third of the airport’s annual load and, on certain days like today, offset the entire electricity needs of the airport.”
Borrego Solar Systems, a leading national developer, designer, installer and operator of commercial solar and energy storage systems developed and built the arrays.
“By adopting solar, Sacramento Airport has not only made a prudent financial decision, but has also taken action to reduce its environmental impact. The solar energy produced over the life of the system will offset nearly 289,000 metric tons of harmful carbon dioxide equivalents – this is the same amount that would be offset by taking nearly 62,000 cars off the road,” said Jackie Pitera, a senior member of Borrego Solar’s project development team.
“I want to congratulate airport leadership on a successful project and working with our operations team and NRG to get a solar project up and running in just six months of construction.”
About Borrego Solar
Established in 1980, Borrego Solar Systems Inc. is a leading engineer, developer, installer, financier and operator of commercial solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems in the United States with more than 400 MW of installations constructed. Borrego Solar is a market leader nationally in addition to having the largest market share in Massachusetts and New York. The company’s mission is to solve the world's energy problems by accelerating the adoption of renewable energy. Its people are committed to excellence in every aspect of solar design, construction and operation. For more information, visit www.borregosolar.com.
About NRG
NRG is the premier integrated power company in the U.S., built on the strength of our leading retail platform and competitive electric generation portfolio. A Fortune 500 company, NRG creates value through best-in-class operations, reliable and efficient electric generation, and a retail platform serving residential and commercial businesses. Working with electricity customers, large and small, we deliver energy solutions that power millions of homes and businesses – to protect, enhance and simplify life. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG Energy on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.
About the Sacramento Department of Airports
The Sacramento County Department of Airport is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field. Sacramento International Airport offers more than 150 nonstop flights on 10 domestic and international carriers to more than 35 destinations. The regional economic impact of the Sacramento County airport system is more than $4 billion annually. For more information, visit http://www.smf.aero
Contact: Laurie Slothower
Communication and Media Officer
Air Service Development and Marketing
Sacramento County Department of Airports
916.874.0791 (office)
916.806.5394 (cell)
