Solar Technology Coming To A Small Airport Near You

As you've taken to the skies on a recent mission, you have likely flown over landmarks or visual waypoints published on your sectional chart and encountered some that were not. In many instances windmill farms are published, solar farms not so much, but when they're out there, you can't miss them as they seem to consume a good bit of real estate. 

Up close, you'll find that they're typically cobalt-hued glass substrates of specific geometry with little flexibility and target thick.

Sunflare solar seems to change all of that. Their process involves light, thin, flexible panels less than 2mm thick that do not require any special mounting substrate but which can instead be applied to almost any surface. These modular solar cells are made of Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide (CIGS) which is more durable than the traditional panels, and much more 'absorbent' of solar radiation. Furthermore, these solar panels (weighing less than 1lb per square foot if using the LiteMount60), can be mounted on terminal or hanger roof at small airports where traditional solar panels cannot be used.

Sunflare and has a lineup of products to suit almost any application, and their low-maintenance coupled with long-term warranties, in some cases, up to 20 years for components, means that little attention is required once everything is set up. It may make meaningful economic sense for a small airport to help offset its power needs and begin its journey towards environmentally social responsibility. The FAA published technical guidance in 2018 on how airports may evaluate and select solar technologies for use at airports. 

FMI: https://sunflaresolar.com, https://faa.gov/airports/environmental/policy_guidance/media/faa-airport-solar-guide-2018.pdf