Solar panels will fully power Greenville-Spartanburg airport terminal as part of new investment

GREER — Work will begin soon to install solar canopies on top of two parking garages at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, a move to pull power from the sun while shading travelers’ cars.

Expected to be completed in fall 2027, the $27.5 million installation will power the airport terminal complex during sunny days.

The solar panels and new energy storage will connect with existing onsite backup systems. In the event of an outage to the public grid, the solar backup will be able to power the terminal for four hours. After that, diesel generators will kick in while the solar panels recharge the storage system.

“By producing its own energy and storing backup power, GSP will be better equipped to maintain operations during inclement weather and power outages while reducing long-term utility costs,” the airport said.

It’s the latest capital improvement project at the airport. A runway repaving project will prompt nightly closures this summer, while the airport will close entirely for two weekends in the fall. A new parking garage and rental car center opened at the end of 2025.

The solar canopies will be installed on Garages B and C because Garage A is being renovated to turn the former rental car parking into public parking there, said Tiffany Cherry, GSP spokesperson.

Construction of the steel superstructure on Garage B will begin in July, Cherry said, while work on Garage C will begin later in the year.

The project is funded through state grants, Investment Tax Credits and funds from the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District, which is the publicly appointed body that runs the airport.

“This project will improve the airport’s resilience during power interruptions caused by weather, downed power lines, or grid failures, maintain critical terminal operations, and enhance customer service,” Cherry said.