The industry has been steadily evolving, setting new records and establishing itself as America’s most cost-effective form of renewable energy. Due to the industry’s rapid growth, there has been a greater workforce that can further develop technology and create solutions that help business owners reduce overhead costs. More businesses are turning towards solar and combined solar + storage solutions to reduce operating costs and provide renewable energy. This combination of clean energy and storage has been a favorite solution in the transportation industry to help them save significant dollars during COVID-19 setbacks.
According to the Port Authority of New York, 2019 was a record year for their airport system. Their airports handled 140.5 million passengers in total, an increase of 1.6% over the previous year. The global Pandemic of 2020 struck, putting the transportation industry in crisis mode. People stayed at home, and hubs like John F. Kennedy International Airport saw a 98% drop in domestic passenger volumes.
Not only were airports the worst-hit sector, but many other sectors also suffered significant losses. As a result of safety and health concerns, the transportation industry, in general, began to propose budget cuts and slashing operations. Without additional federal funding, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) was considering closing 19 stations. Transportation needed long-term savings. Solar energy is a well-respected option.
SunPower worked with four prominent transit industry leaders who wanted to adapt and thrive using solar power last year. All these projects will help rebuild their communities and transport infrastructures for a better and greener future.
John F. Kennedy International Airport
JFK International Airport is no exception. The transportation industry has long been a champion of community solar. SunPower will install the largest on-site solar + storage system in New York State. This partnership is between the Port Authority of New York, New Jersey, and the New York Power Authority. Goldman Sachs Asset Management L.P.’s Renewable Power Group will also be a key stakeholder in this project. They will participate in long-term ownership of and operation of the project’s more than 12.3 megawatts solar and 7.5MW / 25MWh of energy storage. Through the state’s community distributed generator program, the project will allow the surrounding communities of environmental justice to reduce their electric bills.
Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO
The DRPA and PATCO SunPower project will be one of the largest transportation-related renewable energy initiatives in New Jersey. A 22-megawatt solar array of more than 50,000 panels will produce enough electricity to power more than half of the electricity consumed by DRPA or PATCO. High-efficiency solar carports will be installed at 7 PATCO locations and the DRPA headquarters. The project is expected to reduce electricity costs by approximately $12 million over the next twenty years.
WMATA
Four of the Metro’s locations will be transformed into solar power hubs in Washington, DC. They will feature SunPower solar carports with 12.8 MW of solar energy capacity. Another transit-led project was giving back to the community. The project, which is the largest solar community project in the capital area, will generate enough electricity for at least 1,500 single-family homes.
WMATA will be receiving lease payments for 25 years for the operation of the solar arrays that are being built on its property in exchange for hosting them. This is a contract with Goldman Sachs Renewable Power LLC, which WMATA is currently acquiring. The energy grid will receive the power, and clean energy will be delivered to residents and businesses in the region. This project is a quadruple win, providing revenue to the transit agency, covered parking, clean energy delivery to community solar subscribers, and reducing carbon emissions and air pollution in our environment.
GILLIG
One of the most powerful rooftop solar power systems in the Bay Area will be installed at the headquarters of GILLIG, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses. GILLIG’s headquarters will have a three-megawatt 7,800-panel system paired with solar storage. The system will provide energy for the company’s sustainability efforts, allowing it to directly power its transit buses and charge their zero-emission electric buses. The company has installed a total of 30 charging stations for electric vehicles. GILLIG’s efforts in adopting clean energy and passing it on through its product offerings are exactly what the transit sector needs.
Infrastructure funding is available for transportation infrastructure projects and electrification vehicle fleets. These grants, incentives, and subsidized financing are often difficult to secure and can be very competitive. SunPower will host a webinar on October 6th, 9:00 AM PST, to provide the latest updates and strategies for procuring these funds.