As the holiday travel season begins, Kyocera Solar has announced that its industry-leading solar modules were selected to power the first phase of a 2.5MW parking lot canopy installation at Tucson International Airport.

The 1MW first phase of the photovoltaic (PV) array, which offsets about a fifth of the terminal complex's total power needs, is now operational and a dedication ceremony will be held at 11 am Mountain Time, December 20.

The project converts the abundant sunshine in "The Old Pueblo" into renewable energy powering the airport's main terminal. It's part of the airport's ongoing environmental efforts, utilizing $5.7 million in funding awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration and $280,000 contributed by the Arizona Department of Transportation to offset a federal grant matching requirement.

Collaboration with Natural Power and Energy helped ensure that the system was properly sized for the airport's power output and glare avoidance requirements. By working closely with Tucson-based contractor Barker-Morrissey Contracting, the Design-Build team was able to meet the tight installation deadlines of the 5-acre first phase with time to spare.

"Airports are an ideal location for solar canopies because of the large amounts of space they can cover, additionally serving as desired shade to cars parked for hours or even days," said Steve Hill, president, Kyocera Solar Inc.

"We are glad to have completed this first phase before the busy travel season; it's a nice holiday bonus to know that part of the electricity usage in the main terminal is being offset by the parking lot's large solar array. Kyocera Solar is proud to power this important project in our home state."

The solar canopy structure is a 20-foot tall curved, open-lattice design comprised exclusively of efficient, durable Kyocera modules that create shade for parking spaces. Vegetated "green walls" are also planned, which will use live plants to create a cooling microclimate effect in the parking area. There is no additional charge for the parking spaces under the solar canopy.

This project's federal grant is part of a program that provides funding for airport projects that promote energy efficiency under the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

"Kyocera's responsibilities with every project are to assist throughout the lifecycle of that installation," Hill stated. "Our technical expertise in addition to our 38 years of high quality module production experience adds value and can help reduce project costs. Kyocera's success depends on our customer's success."

Construction on the main public parking lot began in May 2013, kicking off a three-phase installation expected to be completed in 2-3 years. Work has already begun on phase 2 in the remaining 7 acres of the parking area.

Tucson joins Chicago's Midway as another major airport going green with Kyocera. Midway's Quick Turn Around rental car washing and refueling facility was outfitted with Kyocera photovoltaic solar modules in October 2013.