Solar power at the airport will unleash more solar power for Iowa City communities

Great news that Iowa City Airport will be installing 300 solar panels this year, as recently announced. This benefits both the airport and the city.

Excess power will return to the local grid. This is a great example of wise use of bipartisan infrastructure funds and a great project that could be replicated in other public places and even spur the development of local solar projects in at-risk neighborhoods like the new solar resiliency nodes in Cedar Rapids. If played properly, it will build public-private synergy between social sectors.

Iowa City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan specifically calls for “one or more solar pilot projects… that will result in expanding access to the benefits of renewable solar energy in our neighborhoods… with an emphasis on the equitable distribution of benefits.” Neighborhood projects “consist of outdoor solar panel arrays from which electricity can be shared by more than one household (or other user) through a subscription service.” (IC Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, section 1.5)

To unleash the full potential of solar energy, it will be necessary to connect installations in public spaces, neighborhoods and private homes.

According to data from 2021 Princeton Zero Grid Report, To reach net zero by 2050, we will need as much as 39 times more solar energy than we currently have. The Princeton report noted that due to its size and cost advantage, utility-scale solar PV will need to play the largest role in creating a low-carbon economy. The same, of course, applies to wind and geothermal energy.

As the synergies created by local public space, neighborhood and private projects increase, utilities will need to take notice and follow suit. Not to mention that solar and geothermal energy are cheaper to implement than coal and nuclear energy. (Citizens’ Climate Lobby)

Over the last decade, over 20% of the country’s airports have adopted solar energy. Airport/subscription-based community solar programs already operate in Tallahassee, Tampa, Austin and San Francisco. Kennedy International is building one. In places like Denver, there are partnerships between airports and the community; Cochin, India; Brno, Czech Republic, Quincy, Illinois, and even Middleton, Wisconsin (pop. 21,827).

Kansas City is preparing a feasibility study: “We want to power the entire city,” said the city manager. Solar energy costs have dropped significantly, by 85% over the last decade. It is the cheapest source of new energy, accounting for nearly half of new generation capacity in the US. It just makes sense!

It makes sense for Iowa City to build on the airport project and one day add these opportunities to the community. Then it will be win-win, the airport, neighbors and the planet.

Jay Gilchrist is a retired pastor and health care executive living in Iowa City

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