Pittsburgh International Airport to set up 11,000 new solar panels

Pittsburgh International Airport set up more than 11,000 new solar panels, and renewable power the regional grid thanks to federal support.

Pittsburgh International was the first major airport in the world to be entirely powered by a micro-grid as of 2021. The new expansion is expected to generate 4.7 megawatts of clean electricity, reduce carbon emissions by around 5 million lbs each year and provide renewable energy to the Pittsburgh regional grid.

The new array will be situated on a closed landfill. IMG Energy Solutions will own and operate the repurposed land, and says it will give 100% of what the array generates to regional energy provider Duquesne Light Co. to support surrounding communities. In 2024, the Pennsylvania congressional delegation brought in 117 million in federal funds to help pay for renewable and resilient solar and battery energy storage for the PIT's advanced manufacturing campus. PIT says it has saved more than $1 million in electricity costs each year since the solar array came online in 2021.