Despite a gloomy morning, Long Beach residents came together to celebrate Earth Day and mark the expansion of solar energy initiatives in the city.
Officials gathered on Monday, April 22, to commemorate the installation of solar canopies atop the parking structures at the Long Beach Airport.
Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s not every Earth Day that we get to unveil these incredible solar projects.” He emphasized the city’s ongoing efforts to expand solar energy across Long Beach over the past five years, highlighting the significance of renewable energy in combating climate change.
The newly installed solar canopies at the Long Beach Airport are expected to generate renewable energy equivalent to approximately 70% of LGB’s electrical demand for its public facilities and airfield. Cynthia Guidry, the director of Long Beach Airport, underscored the impact of these solar panels on sustainability efforts, stating, “These canopies are now fully operational and shine an incredible light on the sustainability efforts right here at Long Beach Airport.”
The solar installations are part of the Citywide Solar Project led by the Public Works Department. These initiatives include the installation of solar panel canopies in parking lots across 11 different city-owned facilities.
Luminace, a Brookfield company, is the owner-operator of the solar installations, providing all capital for design, construction, and maintenance through a power purchase agreement with the city. Alex Smith, a representative from Luminace, highlighted the benefits of the project, including utility cost savings, local job creation, and the promotion of clean energy.
The project is estimated to provide 9 million kilowatt hours of solar energy annually and aims to secure reliable green energy for city operations while reducing the city’s carbon footprint and utility bills.
Nine out of the 11 solar installations are currently operational, with the remaining two, located at the Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Utilities, scheduled for completion by fall 2024. The solar canopies at LGB are the largest among the city’s projects, covering nearly 133,000 square feet of rooftop space on the airport’s parking structures.
Councilmember Megan Kerr, representing the Fifth District, emphasized the long-term impact of the city’s commitment to renewable energy, stating, “Our commitment to renewable energy is not just an investment in the present, it’s a legacy we leave for generations to come.”
The project aligns with the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program’s goals to reduce emissions and ultimately achieve carbon neutrality, further underscoring Long Beach’s dedication to environmental stewardship.