The installation began in January 2024 and includes over 4,000 lightweight solar panels. The panels were installed on hangars one and two, the terminal, the control tower, and the Airport’s hotel, the Aviator Hampshire.
The project will meet up to 25% of the airport’s annual electricity needs and enable charging of its operational fleet of electric vehicles. Only 75% of all the power generated will be used, allowing 25% to be sold back to the supplier.
In total, the installation will generate over 1.2GWh of clean energy every year, advancing Farnborough Airport towards its target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Farnborough Airport Group’s CEO, Simon Geere commented in a statement: “In line with our ambition to become a sustainability showcase for airports around the world, we’re proud to have partnered with lightweight solar technology pioneers, Solivus, to instal one of the largest rooftop solar projects in the region. The lightweight solar installation is a significant step towards achieving our sustainability objectives, significantly reducing our controllable emissions, as set out in our Net Zero Roadmap, in which we have committed to be Net Zero by 2030 or sooner.”
According to Solivus, it was a challenge for Farnborough Airport to deploy onsite renewable generation due to restrictions on land use, as well as the architectural curves of the airport building not accommodating rigid solar panels.
The solution had to be lightweight and minimise structural concerns and installation complexities. It also had to be constructed to minimise any glint and glare.
Solivus CEO, Jo Parker-Swift said: “Rooftop solar is crucial for decarbonising the built environment, but its application has often been constrained by the structural limitations of many commercial buildings. Put simply, traditional solar panels are too heavy for many rooftops. Our lightweight solar innovation addresses this issue…
“We are proud to have worked with Farnborough Airport to ensure the future supply of renewable energy, supporting the airport’s progressive net zero emissions journey. We encourage other airports to seize the opportunity to benefit from our lightweight solar energy installations and advance their own sustainability initiatives.”
