Airport’s Sun-Powered Success

One year after installation, Long Beach Airport’s (LGB) solar canopies are proving to be a bright investment. The large-scale solar installations, which were officially unveiled on Earth Day last year, are generating more than 3 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy.

Since their launch last spring, the solar canopies located on top of Parking Structures A and B have provided approximately 3.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy, which is equivalent to offsetting carbon dioxide emissions from 291 homes’ energy use in one year.

In 2024, thanks in large part to the solar installation, Airport-controlled and purchased electricity usage decreased 10% compared to the year prior.

The energy savings contribute to the city’s broader sustainability goals, aligning with the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, which focuses on reducing per-passenger emissions – and has already achieved a 38% reduction since 2016 – with the long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

“The first year of operation has shown us the incredible impact that renewable energy can have at LGB,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “Not only are we reducing our environmental footprint, but we’re also providing a more comfortable experience for travelers, as the solar canopies offer shade for vehicles parked on top of our garages. This solar project exemplifies our dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility.”

The panels are part of the citywide solar project, a Department of Public Works program that installed large solar projects at 11 different city facilities. Luminace, a Brookfield company, is the owner-operator of the solar installations, which cover nearly 133,000 square feet of rooftop space on LGB’s two parking structures.

LGB air carriers such as Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines currently offer service to 22 nonstop destinations and one-stop service to nearly 400 cities around the globe.