International Airport Launches 1.6MW Solar Power System

A second large-scale solar power system at Denver International Airport (DIA) recently became operational; this new 1.6 MW Sharp solar power array powers the airport’s fuel-storage and distribution facility.

Denver International Airport

The photovoltaic system was financed and developed by MP2 Partners and Oak Leaf Partners, constructed by Quanta, and is comprised of approximately 7,400 Sharp solar panels. Now that it is operational, the new solar system provides approximately 100 percent of the fuel farm’s electricity consumption.

This solar PV system, featuring modules made in the U.S., will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, electricity costs, and grid constraints – while helping to improve Denver’s air quality.

DIA is buying electricity generated by the system at a rate equal to 90 percent of the local utility, Xcel Energy’s rate. Construction of the 1.6 MW solar power system commenced in September 2009, and was completed in December 2009. The array is sited on approximately nine acres north of the airport’s airfield.

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