MBS International Airport, working in partnership with Veregy, is nearing completion of a major $2.3 million solar energy project. This multi-phase effort has positioned the airport as a leader in sustainable aviation and recently earned it the title of “Commercial Airport of the Year” from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The award was presented to Executive Director James Canders on February 19, 2026, during the Michigan Airport Conference in East Lansing.
The recognition highlights the airport’s innovative approach, particularly its installation of the largest solar array at any airport in the state of Michigan. A major part of the project is a large solar canopy system covering nearly 200 premium parking spaces, making MBS the only airport in Michigan offering passengers covered parking powered by solar energy. Travelers have responded very positively as each phase of the project has moved forward.
Phase I, which focused on the rental car parking area, was fully completed after utility approvals were finalized on February 27, 2026. This lot has been operating since September 2025 and contributed to record parking activity at the airport. Phase II, covering premium short-term parking, has also made substantial progress. The West Lot opened in January 2026 and the East Lot followed in February 2026. Final work is expected to be finished by mid-May 2026.
The airport has included several key amenities in the project, such as lighting installed under the canopies and bird deterrent features to maintain a clean and safe environment. In addition, MBS is expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with ten Level 1 chargers, two Level 2 chargers and one DC fast charger for public use. The design also supports future EV aircraft charging.
The solar initiative has also been recognized as Veregy’s East Project of the Year. The work has been delivered in two phases designed to reduce energy costs and improve airport operations.Phase I includes a 342-kW solar canopy using Tier 1 panels and provides more than $26,000 in guaranteed annual energy savings plus approximately $70,000 in projected yearly revenue. Phase II features 646 kW of solar canopies and another 216 kW of ground-mounted panels. These systems use a total of 1,486 solar modules and will generate more than one million kilowatt-hours of clean energy each year.
The full investment of $9.5 million reflects the airport’s long-term commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility. Importantly, the project has zero impact on taxpayers. All funding comes from airport revenue and cost savings. MBS also expects approximately $2.8 million in reimbursements through federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.
The environmental impact is significant as well; the carbon reductions from Phase I alone are equivalent to over 18 million miles driven by an average car or the carbon captured by 8,300 acres of U.S. forest in one year. The airport is using Veregy’s monitoring technology to track and verify solar production in real time.
Canders said the partnership with Veregy has allowed the airport to transform its parking areas into both a power-generating system and an enhanced passenger amenity. He noted that receiving the MDOT award is a reflection of the team’s dedication and that the project not only cuts energy use but also offers travelers a level of service unmatched elsewhere in Michigan. With Phase II nearing completion, the airport is planning a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony in spring 2026.
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