Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Array Systems for Aviation Facilities

Airports and aviation facilities are under growing pressure to reduce emissions, cut energy costs, and improve operational resilience. One proven solution? Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Array Systems. At McClure, we help aviation clients design and implement both ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar PV systems tailored to their infrastructure and energy goals.

Whether powering terminals or charging ground support equipment, solar PV systems support a more sustainable, efficient future for the aviation industry.

What Are Solar PV Array Systems?

Solar PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells. These cells are grouped into panels and connected in arrays to generate usable power for facilities, vehicles, and equipment.

In aviation engineering, PV systems can be:

• Ground-mounted on open land
• Roof-mounted on hangars, terminals, or support buildings

Each installation type comes with unique advantages depending on space availability, energy demand, and long-term operational goals.

Why Solar PV Is a Smart Investment for Airports Now

For airports managing tight margins and long-term infrastructure demands, solar (PV) systems represent one of the most financially strategic investments available today. As energy prices trend upward, early adoption of on-site solar can lock in low, stable operating costs for decades—freeing up budget for core aviation functions and capital improvements.

Key financial advantages include:

• Reduced Operating Expenses: Solar arrays can significantly offset grid electricity costs, easing pressure on annual operating budgets
• Budget Certainty: Generating your own power insulates your facility from unpredictable rate hikes and market volatility
• Accelerated Return on Investment: Federal tax credits, local incentives, and grant funding can offset initial costs and shorten payback timelines
• Reinvestment Potential: Lower utility spend enables reinvestment in safety, infrastructure, and customer-facing improvements without new revenue sources

In a time of increasing energy demand and rising operational costs, solar offers airports a rare opportunity: a one-time infrastructure investment that delivers decades of predictable savings and fiscal resilience.

Ground-Mounted Solar PV Systems

Ground-mounted systems are installed on open land, offering maximum flexibility and scalability. They’re especially effective at larger airports or facilities with unused land near runways or airfield perimeters.

Benefits:

• Optimal Sunlight Exposure: Panels can be positioned at ideal angles for energy generation
• Higher Efficiency: System design can maximize output per panel
• Easy Maintenance: Ground-level access simplifies inspection and repairs

Considerations:

• Space Requirements: Requires dedicated land area
• Installation Costs: Typically higher due to structural mounts, trenching, and additional cabling

Roof-Mounted Solar PV Systems

Roof-mounted systems are ideal for facilities where space is limited. They leverage existing structures, making them a practical and cost-effective option for many general aviation and commercial airports.

Benefits:

• Efficient Use of Space: No additional land is needed
• Lower Upfront Costs: Simpler installation process
• Reduced Transmission Losses: Power is generated close to the point of use

Considerations:

• Structural Capacity: Roof must support panel weight and environmental loads
• Limited Output: System size is constrained by roof area

Applications in Aviation Engineering

Solar PV systems are flexible and support a wide range of aviation uses, including:

Facility Power

Supply clean electricity to terminals, hangars, and operations buildings—reducing utility costs and reliance on fossil fuels.

Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

Charge electric baggage carts, tugs, and other service vehicles—cutting emissions and fuel costs on the ramp.

Energy Resilience

Improve energy independence with backup capabilities during grid outages, supporting uninterrupted operations.

Environmental Leadership

Demonstrate a visible commitment to sustainability—enhancing community reputation and meeting environmental goals.

Choosing the Right System

McClure’s aviation team works with each client to determine the most effective solar system design based on:

• Energy Demand: Match system size to operational needs
• Site Conditions: Evaluate available land or roof space
• Structural Integrity: Assess roof loading or soil conditions
• Budget: Balance long-term efficiency with installation and maintenance costs

Why McClure?

At McClure, we integrate aviation engineering expertise with renewable energy innovation. Our team understands airport operations, FAA compliance, and infrastructure challenges—ensuring every solar project supports your airfield’s operational goals and sustainability targets.

From concept through commissioning, we provide:

• Site and feasibility assessments
• System design and engineering
• FAA coordination and safety analysis
• Construction support and ongoing maintenance planning

Power Your Airfield Sustainably

Ready to explore solar PV for your airport or aviation facility? McClure delivers the experience and insight to help you take the next step toward energy efficiency and resilience.

Contact us today to start planning your aviation solar project.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Array Systems for Aviation Facilities

Airports and aviation facilities are under growing pressure to reduce emissions, cut energy costs, and improve operational resilience. One proven solution? Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Array Systems. At McClure, we help aviation clients design and implement both ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar PV systems tailored to their infrastructure and energy goals.

Whether powering terminals or charging ground support equipment, solar PV systems support a more sustainable, efficient future for the aviation industry.

What Are Solar PV Array Systems?

Solar PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells. These cells are grouped into panels and connected in arrays to generate usable power for facilities, vehicles, and equipment.

In aviation engineering, PV systems can be:

• Ground-mounted on open land
• Roof-mounted on hangars, terminals, or support buildings

Each installation type comes with unique advantages depending on space availability, energy demand, and long-term operational goals.

Why Solar PV Is a Smart Investment for Airports Now

For airports managing tight margins and long-term infrastructure demands, solar (PV) systems represent one of the most financially strategic investments available today. As energy prices trend upward, early adoption of on-site solar can lock in low, stable operating costs for decades—freeing up budget for core aviation functions and capital improvements.

Key financial advantages include:

• Reduced Operating Expenses: Solar arrays can significantly offset grid electricity costs, easing pressure on annual operating budgets
• Budget Certainty: Generating your own power insulates your facility from unpredictable rate hikes and market volatility
• Accelerated Return on Investment: Federal tax credits, local incentives, and grant funding can offset initial costs and shorten payback timelines
• Reinvestment Potential: Lower utility spend enables reinvestment in safety, infrastructure, and customer-facing improvements without new revenue sources

In a time of increasing energy demand and rising operational costs, solar offers airports a rare opportunity: a one-time infrastructure investment that delivers decades of predictable savings and fiscal resilience.

Ground-Mounted Solar PV Systems

Ground-mounted systems are installed on open land, offering maximum flexibility and scalability. They’re especially effective at larger airports or facilities with unused land near runways or airfield perimeters.

Benefits:

• Optimal Sunlight Exposure: Panels can be positioned at ideal angles for energy generation
• Higher Efficiency: System design can maximize output per panel
• Easy Maintenance: Ground-level access simplifies inspection and repairs

Considerations:

• Space Requirements: Requires dedicated land area
• Installation Costs: Typically higher due to structural mounts, trenching, and additional cabling

Roof-Mounted Solar PV Systems

Roof-mounted systems are ideal for facilities where space is limited. They leverage existing structures, making them a practical and cost-effective option for many general aviation and commercial airports.

Benefits:

• Efficient Use of Space: No additional land is needed
• Lower Upfront Costs: Simpler installation process
• Reduced Transmission Losses: Power is generated close to the point of use

Considerations:

• Structural Capacity: Roof must support panel weight and environmental loads
• Limited Output: System size is constrained by roof area

Applications in Aviation Engineering

Solar PV systems are flexible and support a wide range of aviation uses, including:

Facility Power

Supply clean electricity to terminals, hangars, and operations buildings—reducing utility costs and reliance on fossil fuels.

Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

Charge electric baggage carts, tugs, and other service vehicles—cutting emissions and fuel costs on the ramp.

Energy Resilience

Improve energy independence with backup capabilities during grid outages, supporting uninterrupted operations.

Environmental Leadership

Demonstrate a visible commitment to sustainability—enhancing community reputation and meeting environmental goals.

Choosing the Right System

McClure’s aviation team works with each client to determine the most effective solar system design based on:

• Energy Demand: Match system size to operational needs
• Site Conditions: Evaluate available land or roof space
• Structural Integrity: Assess roof loading or soil conditions
• Budget: Balance long-term efficiency with installation and maintenance costs

Why McClure?

At McClure, we integrate aviation engineering expertise with renewable energy innovation. Our team understands airport operations, FAA compliance, and infrastructure challenges—ensuring every solar project supports your airfield’s operational goals and sustainability targets.

From concept through commissioning, we provide:

• Site and feasibility assessments
• System design and engineering
• FAA coordination and safety analysis
• Construction support and ongoing maintenance planning

WHERE WE MAKE AN IMPACT