Solar Guidance for Airports: Information for Sponsors on Developing Airport Compatible Solar Projects Association of California Airports September 16, 2010 Phil DeVita A Project of the Federal Aviation Administration

Why a Solar Guide  Approximately 12 Airports operating solar facilities  Airports interest in solar growing rapidly  Solar Energy clean and proven renewable energy source  FAA responds with Solar Guide

Why Airports  Wide solar exposure  Lands and buildings are suitable  On-site electricity demand  Meets cost-effective test for airport business  Also meets public policy requirements of government  Does not interfere with airport operations

Project Objective  Encourage safe and cost-effective solar projects  Simplify complex energy and financial issues  Present case studies on completed projects  Define FAA priorities in funding solar (i.e.VALE)  Establish FAA points of contact for solar  FAA recommendations (i.e. CATEX, Form 7460, further glare research, etc.)

Sections of the Guide  Solar Overview  How it works, technologies, designs, players  Siting and Feasibility  Is my airport a good site, where to locate, how to pay  Regulatory and Safety  Part 77, NEPA, ALPs  Airport Solar Economics  Tax incentives, rebates, power purchase agreements, bonds  FAA’s Role  Protect air safety, develop projects at FAA facilities, guidance  Recommendations (i.e. CATEX, Part 77, Funding)

NEPA Review of Solar Projects  NEPA Issues * habitat * historic * water quality  Roof-mounted vs. Ground-mounted  Categorical exclusion criteria being considered

Part 77 Review – Protecting Safe Air Navigation  Physical Interference  Construction  Electromagnetic  Reflectivity

Solar Glare

Case Studies Denver (2 MW, 1.6 MW)  Two projects completed, third in planning (2 MW)  Ground-mounted  Private developer – land lease and power purchase  Utility agreement to purchase renewable credits

Case Studies Albuquerque (438 kW)  Multi-phased Project on Parking Structures  Phase One Completed  Phase Two - Applying to VALE Program for partial funding  Airport owned and maintained

Fresno (2 MW)  Ground-mounted, private lease  Built in approach zone, land has no value to Airport  Benefited from California state funding Case Studies

Oakland (756 kW)  Ground-Mounted  Adjacent to GA Runway  Land Lease with Private Developer, owns and maintains Case Studies

San Francisco (445 kW)  Roof-Mounted on Terminal 3  Owned by City Utility  Airport is host, receives subsidized power

Case Studies Boston (200kW)  Roof-Mounted on Terminal B  Airport Owned  Electricity used within the garage Case Studies

Bakersfield (745 kW)  Ground-Mounted  Single Tracking  Land Lease with Private Developer

Philip M. DeVita Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Dr. Jake A. Plante Federal Aviation Administration For more information: