A New Path to Airport Sustainability: Exploring the Technical and Economic Viability of VIPV Systems

Abstract

Airports are among the major electricity consumers and play a key role in aviation decarbonization strategies. While fixed photovoltaic (PV) systems at airports have been extensively studied, the application of vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) in airport ground vehicles remains largely underexplored. This study evaluates the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of installing PV panels on the roofs of buses, minibuses, and luggage trucks. A combined assessment of geographic and temporal variations in carbon intensity across multiple European cities is employed to estimate avoided emissions. Grid parity is evaluated using location-specific electricity prices and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) calculations. The analysis also compares vehicle types to identify those most suitable for VIPV integration, considering energy yield, technical constraints, and costeffectiveness. By considering all these factors, the study demonstrates that VIPV can make a significant contribution, even in moderate climates such as Copenhagen.