MOLINE, ILLINOIS (April 30, 2021) — Solar energy is coming to the Quad Cities International Airport. Solar panels affixed to the terminal roof and a new carport structure will provide a clean, renewable energy-source for the airport, and a covered parking-option for nearly 200 spots in the short-term lot. Two additional electric-vehicle charging-stations will be added to the existing three once the project is completed.
At the time of this announcement, only 20% of public US airports are using solar power.
“We are fortunate to have this opportunity to bring a clean energy source to the airport to offset the footprint that airports create,” said Benjamin Leischner AAE, executive director. “The bonus is being able to offer an additional amenity to our passengers. I can’t tell you how many cars our public safety team digs out each year. Now, travelers will have the option to park under a covered structure so they don’t have to scrape ice or dig out after a winter storm when they’re tired and just want to get home.”
WCP Financials LLC d/b/a/ Solar USA was contracted to design and construct a carport and rooftop-mounted solar system. This grid-connected distributed-generation system will generate enough power to offset more than 50% of the airport’s current usage. The airport anticipates saving millions of dollars for energy expenses over the life of the system.
The Power Purchase Agreement forged between QC Airport and WCP Financials LLC d/b/a/ Solar USA was made possible through federal and state renewable energy incentives that subsidizes a portion of the cost to install the solar system. Solar USA funded 100% of the cost of the system, and the QC Airport agreed to purchase 100% of the renewable energy the solar system generates at a discounted kW-h energy rate.
WCP Financials LLC d/b/a Solar USA as the owner/developer and financier of the project will oversee all phases of the construction process and committed to hiring local contractors to insure local employment. Solar USA engaged professional services of WCP Solar Services LLC, Moxie Solar Inc, General Constructors Inc, and Davenport Electric Contract Company. More than 50 local employees will have worked on this solar project upon completion.
This project, initially announced in 2019, is making strides after delays due to COVID-19. The project is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2021.
About Quad Cities International Airport
Quad Cities International Airport is located in Moline, Illinois, and serves passengers from western Illinois and eastern Iowa. With 11 nonstop destinations, the airport served over 700,000 passengers in 2019. Four major airlines operate out of QC Airport including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. The airport boasts a 10,000-foot runway that can land any aircraft in any weather conditions, as well as US Customs and Border Protection as an International Port of Entry Airport, making it ideal for commercial flights and general aviation. Charter and fueling services are available. For more information visit qcairport.com.
