Quad Cities International Airport celebrates installation of 4,500+ solar panels
September 16, 2021
Today, the Quad Cities International Airport celebrated the installation of more than 4,500 solar panels with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The 1.9-megawatt system was an $8 million project, financed by WCP Financials of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, at no cost to the airport. The panels will supply the airport with 50% of its annual energy consumption
Carports were constructed to house a portion of the panels, which now cover more than 200 spots – nearly all of the premium parking lot. The remaining panels are affixed to the terminal roof. The airport also added three electric vehicle charging stations, bringing the total available to passengers and visitors to seven.
“This is just the first of many steps we’re taking to upgrade and improve our airport, and we’re excited to continue making progress in the months and years to come,” said Benjamin Leischner, executive director, Quad Cities International Airport. “This is an ideal partnership – WCP Financials will be able to leverage the solar credits to MidAmerican Energy, the airport will have a clean energy source and we’ve added amenities for our passengers.”
Based on current energy costs, the airport will save more than $600,000 over the next 25 years but savings could reach into the millions as costs continue to rise.
“Airports are increasingly looking at ways to offset their footprint and solar panels are a great option,” said Leischner. “This project, like many airport projects, was built through strong collaboration with contractors and their represented labor groups. One thing that I love sharing with other airports around the country is how blessed the Quad Cities is with highly skilled and capable contractors and a dedicated labor force.”
Rep. Cheri Bustos also spoke at the event, which was attended by local community leaders and the subcontractors who spent the last six months on the multi-phased project.
The project is an Illowa Impact Agreement. Crawford, Murphy and Tilly provided engineering support. Several local labor partners were used throughout the project including Moxie Solar, Davenport Electric, Tri-City Building & Construction Trades Council, WF Scott Decorating and GCI.