Massive Solar Roof Project Kicks Off at New JFK Terminal

icture yourself peering out of your airplane window as the wheels touch down, greeted by an endless array of dazzling solar panels below, soaking up sunlight and generating clean energy. This isn’t some futuristic fantasy—it’s a project that's being developed as we speak. Construction has officially begun on a vast solar array at the new Terminal One at New York’s JFK Airport, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most iconic examples of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in the U.S.

Renderings of the New Terminal One. Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

A Solar Roof Like No Other

This project plays a key role in the Port Authority’s $19 billion push to turn JFK into a premier global hub. The roof of Terminal One will be topped with over 13,000 solar panels, spanning a space nearly as big as seven football fields.

After it's fully up and running, this colossal solar array will deliver 6.63 megawatts of electricity. It will be part of an advanced 12-megawatt microgrid that merges solar power, 3.84 megawatts of fuel cells, and 1.5 megawatts of battery storage. It will channel electricity from solar panels, fuel cells, and batteries through a localized energy system that operates independently or can tap into the main grid when needed. Beyond electricity, JFK's microgrid will also convert waste heat from fuel cells into hot and cold water.

Think of this microgrid as the terminal’s very own power plant, delivering half of its daily energy requirements. That’s the same amount of electricity it would take to keep the lights on in over 3,500 average U.S. homes!

The microgrid’s design also emphasizes durability. Thanks to its four isolated "power islands," taking one section offline for maintenance won't affect the smooth operation of the other sections. In an age where consistent energy is vital—especially for critical infrastructures like airports—this setup acts like a backup generator with a serious performance boost.

Essentially, this project turns the terminal into its own energy recycling hub. So, as travelers hurry to their gates or sip on their overpriced coffee, the energy that lights up the space and powers the air conditioning is being reused and regenerated behind the scenes.

Renderings of the New Terminal One. Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Quiet Elegance of BIPV

At the heart of JFK’s energy glow-up lies something called Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Instead of viewing solar panels as something to add later, this innovative technology weaves energy generation directly into the very architecture of the building itself.

The real strength of building-integrated photovoltaics lies in its versatility. Whether you want solar panels to double as transparent windows or add a sleek touch to a facade's design, BIPV can do it all. From solar glass to thin-film panels and solar shingles, BIPV gives architects the flexibility to integrate them into almost any building surface. With all it offers, it’s easy to see why the BIPV market is thriving, with experts predicting it will surpass $100 billion by 2034.

For an airport, this approach offers several benefits. Aesthetically, it keeps the terminal looking sleek and modern, avoiding the bulky panels that usually come with typical solar installations. Functionally, it makes the most out of available space—an absolute must in dense urban landscapes like New York, where every square foot counts.

Naturally, this approach also moves New York closer to achieving its ambitious clean energy goals. As the state is on track to hit 100% renewable energy by 2040, it demonstrates that solar projects can be both sustainable and visually stunning.

More Than Just Green Power—What This Means the Economy

The story goes beyond the panels and energy to another key point—jobs. Building the Terminal One microgrid is expected to create nearly 100 local jobs, mostly for people in Queens, where the airport is located.

JFK has also opted for the Energy as a Service (EaaS) model, which means that the financial load doesn't fall entirely on public funds. AlphaStruxure, the company running the microgrid, ensures predictable operating costs, with no upfront capital investment needed from the Port Authority or the airport itself.

On top of that, this project will likely become a benchmark for future urban development. It will show that even airports—famously huge energy users—can successfully switch to renewables at scale, while still functioning as usual.

The Broader Trend

The BIPV trend gaining ground across the U.S., with a surge of projects creatively integrating renewable energy into the heart of urban landscapes. Here are some of the more interesting examples where this idea comes to life:

1. One World Trade Center

One striking illustration of this is none other than the iconic One World Trade Center in New York City. Standing tall since 2014, this striking skyscraper cleverly conceals BIPV panels in its spire, generating green energy while preserving its architectural allure. Raising the bar for solar integration, this project shows that even tightly packed city spaces can harness the sun's power without giving up on great design.

2. Dominion Properties Office Building

Completed in 2022, this modern seven-story building in Milwaukee shines with a vertical solar façade which hosts 120 panels generating 58 MWh of electricity per year. This project shows how BIPV can be applied vertically, addressing the all-too-common issues of shading and neighboring buildings in urban areas. To add to the appeal, this solar-powered office offers meaningful energy savings for its tenants, a vital perk as energy prices keep going up.

3. Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport's terminal underwent a futuristic makeover in 2020, embedding photovoltaic glass across different parts of its terminal. Bringing together the best of both worlds, this solar glass not only generates power but also lets the light through, ensuring both efficiency and passenger comfort.

Solar Energy Trends in the USA: 2024-2025 Update

The JFK Airport solar project is part of a broader trend of rapid solar energy adoption across the United States in 2024-2025. As of 2025, the U.S. has surpassed 200 GW of total installed solar capacity, with utility-scale projects leading the way1.

The Inflation Reduction Act has continued to drive significant investments in renewable energy, resulting in a 25% year-over-year increase in solar installations. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) have gained particular traction, with the market projected to reach $10 billion by 2025.

Additionally, energy storage deployments have doubled, enhancing grid resilience and supporting the integration of intermittent renewable sources. These developments have contributed to solar energy providing over 7% of U.S. electricity generation, marking a significant milestone in the country's clean energy transition.

Looking Forward: The Airport of Tomorrow

Right now, construction crews are busy setting the foundation for what will soon be a standout project in solar energy. By the time Terminal One’s first flights take off in 2026, the solar array will be fully up and running, the solar array will be fully operational, supplying half of the terminal’s energy and helping JFK raise the bar for sustainable practices in aviation.

As the building work goes on, its effects are being sensed far beyond the project site. As other airports planning similar projects and developers turning to BIPV for their next high-rise, it’s becoming clear that green energy is now woven into the core of the infrastructure that keeps our world running.

Sources:

https://www.anewjfk.com/