Airports are under increasing pressure to cut operating expenses and reduce their carbon footprint. Between soaring electricity prices, costly trenching for underground wiring, and increasing demands for sustainability, many airport operators are looking for smarter solutions. Fortunately, solar-powered airport technologies offer a reliable and eco-friendly alternative. Let’s explore how solar technology is reshaping airport lighting systems while making operations more efficient and sustainable than ever before.
- High Costs of Power and Trenching vs. Turnkey Solar Solutions
- Solar Obstruction Lights: Plug-and-Play Compliance With Zero Utility Bills
- Solar Powered Wind Cones: Reliable Wind Indication Anywhere
- Cost and Carbon Savings That Add Up Fast
- Start Your Solar Upgrade With Hali-Brite Today
High Costs of Power and Trenching vs. Turnkey Solar Solutions
Traditional airfield lighting infrastructures are becoming less appealing, especially for mid-sized or rural airports. Running underground conduit for lighting and signage can involve miles of trenching, and the costs widely vary depending on terrain, weather delays, and contractor availability. On top of that, you’re looking at ongoing electricity bills that only seem to go up year after year. Add maintenance issues from weather exposure, electrical faults, or aging wiring, and the burden grows.
That’s why many operators turn to solar-powered airport solutions. Self-contained solar lighting systems require no trenching, no wiring, and no connection to the grid. These plug-and-play setups can be installed quickly, often in just a few hours, and immediately begin operating using only the power of the sun. With advanced batteries and high-efficiency solar panels, modern solar systems can store enough energy for about 10 days of continuous operation, even in cloudy or winter conditions.
Beyond the immediate financial benefits, airports are facing new sustainability mandates. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for instance, is pushing for Airport Zero Emissions initiatives, while Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is becoming a critical factor for stakeholders and the public alike. Embracing solar technology is a clear, tangible way for airports to demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and meet these evolving requirements.
Solar Obstruction Lights: Plug-and-Play Compliance With Zero Utility Bills
Obstruction lights are red warning beacons designed to mark tall structures, including communication towers, buildings, and even construction equipment, that can pose a hazard to aircraft, especially during takeoff, landing, or low-visibility conditions. Their primary function is to enhance visibility and prevent collisions, ensuring the smooth flow of air traffic.
Solar-powered obstruction lights deliver reliable performance without relying on a power grid. Such innovative units are completely self-sufficient, drawing all the power directly from the sun. Once installed, these airport lighting solutions operate autonomously, ensuring consistent illumination day in and day out, with the huge benefit of zero utility bills.
Take our L-810 Solar Obstruction Light, for example. It features a powerful 50-watt solar panel that charges efficiently even in cloudy or low-light conditions, providing over 10 days of autonomy on a single charge. The automatic photocell activates the light from dusk to dawn, or you can choose an “Always On” setting depending on your operational needs.
Its powder-coated enclosure ensures durability and environmental protection, allowing it to withstand harsh weather conditions. Installation is a breeze—no trenching, no wiring, no permits. Just secure the unit in place, angle the panel, and you’re good to go. Maintenance is minimal, and the long battery life ensures you won’t need to swap parts every year.
Solar Powered Wind Cones: Reliable Wind Indication Anywhere
Wind cones provide a visual indication of wind direction and relative speed at or near runways and helipads, helping pilots make informed decisions during takeoff and landing. Without accurate wind information, even routine landings can become risky, especially at smaller airfields where air traffic control (ATC) might not be available.
Solar-powered wind cones are ideal for remote runways, temporary airstrips, or any airport looking to reduce energy use and maintenance overhead. These navigational aids operate independently of the grid, delivering reliable, around-the-clock wind indication without racking up electricity bills, not to mention labor costs for installation and repairs.
Our Solar Powered Wind Cones, available in both L-806 and L-807 configurations, offer self-contained and pre-assembled solutions for easy installation. Each system is equipped with a 100 to 300 amp-hour AGM battery, engineered to endure 4,000 charge/discharge cycles, that provides an impressive 10-day autonomy, ensuring long-term reliability.
Cost and Carbon Savings That Add Up Fast
When you compare traditional airport lighting and guidance systems to solar-powered alternatives, the cost benefits are hard to ignore. Most solar obstruction lights and solar-powered wind cones can be installed in under an hour with nothing more than basic tools. These bolt-down units don’t need to be wired into an electrical system, so you skip the trenching entirely. That alone could save you thousands of dollars per unit.
Let’s not forget the environmental payoff. A single solar-powered light can offset up to several metric tons of CO₂ over a 20-year lifespan. Multiply that across an entire airfield, and your emissions savings become substantial. Looking to improve your ESG scores? Opting for solar-powered airport lighting systems demonstrates your commitment to sustainable practices to the public, regulatory bodies, and potential investors.
Start Your Solar Upgrade With Hali-Brite Today
Hali-Brite specializes in cutting-edge, FAA-certified solar-powered airport lighting solutions designed to meet your specific needs and exceed industry standards. From our solar obstruction lights that eliminate the need for trenching and utility bills to our rugged solar-powered wind cones that provide reliable wind indication anywhere on your airfield, our products are engineered for efficiency, durability, and performance. Contact us today at (218) 454-095 or here to discuss your specific needs. Let’s build a more sustainable and efficient airport together.