Solar Photovoltaics

Our solar photovoltaic (PV) services include:

• Site selection studies
• Glare analyses
• Preparation of federal grant funding assistance requests
• Utility rate analyses

Site Selection Studies

The primary focus of a site selection study is generally to maximize energy production consistent with long-term airport development plans.  Our approach first includes evaluating multiple potential solar PV sites with respect to FAA safety and design standards, electrical generating capacity, potential environmental impacts, and installation and utility interconnection costs.  Given the concern for potential glare impacts, we use the solar glare hazard analysis tool (SGHAT) as an analytical screening tool.  After the initial screening process, we conduct an in-person field inspection. Finally, we identify preferred sites that would that best maximize energy production, minimize possible environmental impacts, and comply with FAA safety standards.

Glare Analyses

When the number of airport sponsors seeking federal funding for solar PV arrays began to increase in 2012, FAA identified a need for sponsors to develop a more sophisticated approach to assessing possible glare impacts.  FAA has since collaborated with Sandia National Laboratories to develop an online glare-screening tool—the SGHAT—which automates and standardizes much of the process so that extensive computer-aided graphics are no longer required. We have extensive experience using the SGHAT and successfully securing approval from FAA for the installation of solar PV array at airports across the country.

Grant Funding Opportunities

Historically, solar PV arrays were funded through the FAA’s VALE Program, but FAA issued Interim Guidance in 2012, which reclassified them as “energy efficiency” projects to be funded under the Energy Efficiency of Airport Power Sources (or “Section 512”) Program of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.  We have experience preparing Section 512 grant requests, or “energy assessments”, which require complex ROI analyses and comprehensive audits of energy consumption and solar energy production and allocation.

Utility Rate Analyses

We have found that airports often have numerous electricity accounts with even more electrical meters that are charged by consumption, demand, or a combination of consumption and demand.  Different accounts charged to the same customer are often charged using each of these charging methodologies, making cost analysis, and therefore cost reduction strategies, very complicated.  Additionally, it has often been found at airports that demand charges can overwhelm consumption charges, and therefore, strategies that reduce the peak demand can have an exaggerated benefit on reducing electricity costs. 

We have experience performing an analysis of utility rate structures, airport utility accounts, arrangement for net metering, and rate-based strategies for minimizing costs. Our approach includes analyzing:  (1) monthly electricity billing statements for all accounts; (2) total energy consumption by electricity meter; (3) energy consumption by airport tenants; (4) detailed time of use usage and demand data; and (5) specifications of utility billing rate structures that apply to each of the sponsor’s utility accounts.  The results of these utility rate analyses provide airport sponsors with a better understanding of the true costs of their electricity bills (consumption vs. demand) and how solar PV arrays can help offset those costs.