Solar Electric System Installed at San Jose International Airport

The Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ) recently announced the completion of a 1.12 MW solar electric system installation.

SJC Terminal Area Improvement Program

As part of the SJC Terminal Area Improvement Program, the roof-mounted photovoltaic system was installed on a new, seven-story, 3,350-space Rental Car Center and parking garage located in front of the newly constructed airport terminal.

The solar array, consisting of nearly 5,000 high-performance, Canadian Solar CS5P monocrystalline modules, covers more than three acres of the garage roof, making it one of the largest airport solar electric installations in the US.

The solar system is expected to produce enough power to offset 20 percent of the facility’s electrical needs. The system was engineered and installed by San Jose-based Rosendin Electric, Inc.

The new state-of-the-art Rental Car Center also features indoor fueling stations, carwash racks and a central rental business center. Because the rental cars can now be washed indoors, airport traffic will be reduced, cutting down on fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.

The US$1.3 billion comprehensive project, currently under budget and ahead of schedule, also features other improvements and upgrades as well.

Besides the construction of the new Terminal B and Terminal B Concourse, Terminal A is also getting a bit of a modernized facelift as well. Features include a new ticketing area, larger and more comfy waiting areas, new ticketing facilities and an improved security checkpoint area.

Improved access to the airport and a public art and technology program is also included. Free electric vehicle charging stations are also located on the first floor of Terminal A’s parking garage. Construction of the new Terminal B and the Concourse were designed to meet LEED standards.

The system was not originally part of the project. Because the project was running ahead of schedule and under budget, the solar system was added later.

SJC was the recipient of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) “Savings by Design – New Construction” incentive. PG&E presented the airport with a check for $133,869 for “incorporating energy-efficient design concepts and materials at its recently completed Terminal B Concourse.”

SJC served over 8 million passengers in 2009. The new terminal is expected to open for service on June 30, 2010.

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