Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA) operated Van Nuys Airport is set to become California’s leading general aviation gateway for solar power production after unveiling its first solar panels and revealing plans for a further six projects.
Van Nuys (VNY) business tenant Aeroplex/Aerolease Group yesterday showcased the operational launch of its solar rooftop and canopy installation — a first at the airport.
And six other business tenants unveiled their own respective solar energy projects, subject to regulatory approval.
They include Valley Sod Farm, whose 13.8MW unit would become the largest ground-mount solar electric system in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s service territory in the LA Basin.
“Since my time on the Los Angeles City Council, I have been a champion of the environment and a proud advocate for renewable energy,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), whose district includes VNY.
“We must encourage clean energy alternatives for powering our state and nation, and we also must better address the tremendous challenges of man-made global climate change.
“The solar projects at Van Nuys Airport will provide important contributions to environmental improvement, as well as examples for other businesses and organizations in our region and state to follow.”
Los Angeles City Councilwoman, Nury Martinez, whose council district includes VNY, noted the importance of these solar energy projects in improving the quality of life in Van Nuys and surrounding areas.
Besides significantly reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the projects will also eliminate approximately 212,700 pounds of sulphur dioxide and 14,500 pounds of asthma particles each year.
“The Van Nuys Airport has always been an economic engine for both the Valley and entire region. Now, with these solar projects and other initiatives, toxins from the area will be removed due to renewable power,” enthused Martinez.
“The solar projects not only mean a huge step forward in making our community green, but they also mean the first step toward future development, which includes ground-mounted power to alleviate the burden of local engine noise and fumes.”
When energized, all of the systems combined will produce approximately 44.6 million kilowatt-hours annually — enough to power about 8,000 homes each year.
In addition, the projects will annually reduce more than 73.3 million pounds of CO2 emissions.