The solar system on the red parking garage marks a major milestone in the airport system’s goal to reduce carbon emissions.
HOUSTON — The roof of Hobby Airport’s red parking garage has a new job — generating clean, renewable power exclusively for the airport.
After years of planning and construction, the photovoltaic (PV) solar system is now fully operational and producing energy at 100% capacity, Houston Airports said on Wednesday. The solar canopy marks a major milestone in the airport system’s goal to reduce carbon emissions.
The double-cantilever canopies, designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, also provide covered parking for passengers while turning unused rooftop space into a renewable energy asset.
“This project is proof that sustainability can be practical, visible and directly tied to the passenger experience,” Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports, said. “Passengers now park under a structure that shields their cars from the Texas sun while generating clean energy that keeps airport operations running efficiently, lowering overall peak demand electrical costs during the day and our carbon footprint. It’s a win for travelers, the city and the planet.”
The system has already generated more than 1.1 gigawatt-hours of electricity while in test mode, with every watt staying at Hobby Airport to power daily operations. Now at full power, the system is set to produce up to 1 megawatt-hour.
“This solar canopy project is more than just panels and steel — it’s a statement about the future we want for Houston,” said Houston City Council Member Joaquin Martinez. “That means lower costs, cleaner air, and a greener future for the families who live, work, and travel through here. As we prepare to welcome the world for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this project shows that sustainability and world-class service can go hand in hand.”
The project was completed in partnership with design and construction management experts from the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and CenterPoint Energy, which oversaw utility requirements and service agreements.
Part of a larger sustainability strategy
The solar canopy is one of several high-impact energy projects completed in recent years at Houston Airports. These include:
- Installation of 20,000+ LED light fixtures at IAH and HOU
- Solar photovoltaic arrays on new shading canopies
- Incorporating all-electric vehicles into the airport fleet
- Recycling nearly all metal and concrete from construction projects
- A new, more efficient central utility plant is coming to IAH
Since 2019, these combined efforts have reduced emissions by 17% at IAH and 32% at HOU, according to Houston Airports.
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