MBS International Airport, a municipally owned airport in Freeland, Michigan, is nearing completion of its multi-phase solar carport project.
Phase I of MBS International Airport’s solar canopy project. Veregy
The first phase of the project completed construction in September and interconnected to the grid on February 27. Veregy, an energy efficiency and solar company, is building both phases of the project. The 342-kW solar canopy array covers nearly 200 parking spaces. Upon completion, MBS became the first airport in Michigan to have solar powered covered parking.
The carports are equipped with lighting and bird deterrents, and the airport is installing EV chargers for passenger vehicles and EV aircraft. The second phase of this project will have 646 kW of solar canopies and 216 kW of ground-mounted solar.
MBS was recently named the Michigan Department of Transportation Commercial Airport of the Year, thanks in part to its solar project and electrification initiatives. These upgrades were funded solely by the airport.
“MBS is proud of the partnership with Veregy that has allowed us to transform our terminal parking into a dual-purpose power plant and passenger amenity,” said James Canders, MBS executive director. “Being named MDOT Commercial Airport of the Year is a testament to our team’s hard work. This project not only reduces our energy usage but provides a premier level of service to our travelers that you won’t find anywhere else in the state.”
Following the completion of Phase II, the airport is planning a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony in Spring 2026.
News item from MBS International Airport
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