MSP Airport to build 3 MW solar array

Airport solar plan - MSP via Pioneer Press

According to Stephan Mortemayer from TCBmag.com The Metropolitan Airport Commission will be installing at 3 Megawatt Solar array on top of two parking ramps at the airport.  Upon completion of the project in October of 2015, the solar arrays will provide up to 20% of the electrical power for the airport.  It will also be Minnesota's largest solar array. 

Designers have positioned the panels to prevent the glare from affecting pilots at the airport.  The project will also switch the ramp lighting to LED and provide electric car charging stations. 

On a related note, the MN DOT is accepting up to five proposals for 1 megawatt plus sized solar arrays along highway right of ways.  Applications are due November 3, 2014. 

2008 Oregon Highway - via Solar Power Rocks

The MN DOT's project is similar to Oregon's Solar Highways project.  The photo above shows a 124 kilowatt solar system built in 2008.  The state has since completed at 1.25 Megawatt Baldock solar array in January of 2012 at the French Prairie Rest Area.

Oregon's Solar Highway - 2008 10 min.