AUS goes solar

What has 6,642 solar panels and generates enough energy to power up to 160 homes a year? The new solar array atop the Blue parking garage at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The new array, courtesy of Austin Energy’s Community Solar Program, “will produce 1.8 megawatts of locally generated, renewable energy,” according to a city announcement. Jacqueline Yaft, chief executive officer of AUS, said, “Adding solar panels to the roof of our garage is a great fit for both AUS and our partner, Austin Energy. The panels help us meet our goal of utilizing on-site renewable energy, while also supporting our larger Austin community in minimizing impacts on the environment.” Austin Energy General Manager Jackie Sargent noted that the array “serves as a billboard to AUS passengers that our city is committed to renewable energy.”