Airport solar will spark more community solar in Iowa City

 By Jay Gilchrist

 

May. 29, 2024 8:38 am;  Reprinted with permission; originally published with The Gazette in

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 Great news that the Iowa City Airport will be installing 300 solar panels this year, as recently announced. This is a win-win for both the airport and the City.

                                                                            (Pixabay)

Excess power will go back into the local grid. This is a shining example of wise use of Bipartisan Infrastructure funds, and a great project that can be replicated on other public sites, and even spur the development of community solar projects in challenged neighborhoods, like the new solar resiliency hubs in Cedar Rapids. If played right, it will build public-private synergy among community sectors.

 The Iowa City Climate Action and Adaptation Plan calls specifically for “one or several pilot community solar projects … that will result in expanding access to the benefits of solar renewable energy to our neighborhoods … with an emphasis on the equitable distribution of benefits.” Neighborhood projects “consist of off-site arrays of solar panels whose 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)

If the full potential of solar power is to be unlocked, it will take a mixture of installations in public spaces, neighborhoods, and private homes.

 According to the 2021 Princeton Net Zero Report, we will need up to 39 times the solar power we have today to reach net zero by 2050. The Princeton report notes that due to its size and cost advantages, utility-scale solar will need to play the biggest role in helping to create a decarbonized economy. Of course, the same is true for utility-based wind and geothermal power.

 As the synergy created by local public space, neighborhood and private projects grows, the utility companies will have to take notice and follow suit. Not to mention the fact that solar and geothermal are cheaper to implement than coal and nuclear. (Citizens’ Climate Lobby)

 Over 20% of the nation’s airports have adopted solar power in the last decade. Airport/subscription-based community solar programs are already in place in Tallahassee, Tampa, Austin, and San Francisco. Kennedy International is building one. Also, there are airport-community partnerships in places like Denver; Cochin, India; Brno, Czech Republic, Quincy, IL, and even Middleton, WI (pop. 21,827).

Kansas City is doing a feasibility study: “We’re looking to power the entire city,” said their city manager. Solar costs are way down, 85% in the last decade. It’s the cheapest source of new energy, and accounts for close to half of new generation capacity in the U.S. It just makes sense!

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

 Jay Gilchrist us a retired pastoral minister and health care executive who lives in Iowa City.

 

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