Long Beach Airport cuts carbon with solar canopies generating over 3 million kWh in first year

August 16, 2025

One year after going live, Long Beach Airport’s solar canopies have generated over 3 million kWh of clean energy – cutting emissions, saving power, and supporting a more sustainable future.

Long Beach Airport (LGB) – Headline Partner of FTE Global, Long Beach, 9 to 11 September 2025 – has announced that, one year after installation, its 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.

“Harnessing the power of the sun is a shining example of how Long Beach Airport is taking proactive steps to reduce its carbon footprint while ensuring operational resilience,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Realising the energy savings of these solar panels one year after installation marks a pivotal moment in LGB’s journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.”

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 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 travellers, 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.

Hear more from Long Beach Airport at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Long Beach on 9 to 11 September 2025. Cynthia Guidry, Director, Long Beach Airport, is participating in a session focused on ‘Airport leadership strategies to maximise capacity, operational efficiency, customer experiences, revenues, workforce and be ready for change?’