The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington has announced plans to install a three-acre rooftop solar power array that will contribute to its sustainability efforts.
The museum has been selected by the Washington State Department of Commerce for an award under the 2025 Clean Energy Grants programme to support the installation of a large‑scale solar power system on the 140,000‑square‑foot roof of the museum’s Aviation Pavilion.
Installation of the solar arrays and power system at the Museum of Flight in Seattle will begin in the autumn.
The $1.2 million award, funded through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, will cover around one-third of the $4m project.
Installation of the solar arrays and power system will begin in the autumn, transforming the museum's environmental footprint.
Once completed, the new solar array will reduce energy consumption and operating costs across the museum’s 23-acre site, while generating enough power to meet the West Campus’ energy needs, with excess going back into the electrical grid.
The energy savings will allow the non-profit to direct more resources towards exhibitions, visitor experience, education programmes, and community access initiatives.
"The Museum of Flight is profoundly grateful to the Washington State Department of Commerce for this support," said Matt Hayes, president and CEO of the Museum of Flight.
"The installation of solar power at the Aviation Pavilion strengthens our commitment to sustainability and enhances our ability to inspire learners of all ages.
"This project ensures that future generations will experience the wonder of flight in a facility that reflects responsible stewardship of our planet."
Transforming the museum's environmental footprint
The Department of Commerce’s Clean Energy Grants programme supports projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy resilience, and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
"The State of Washington’s investment helps us model the innovative thinking we encourage in our students and visitors," said Jeff Bauknecht, grant program manager.
"This clean energy initiative is more than an infrastructure project — it's a community asset that will strengthen the Museum’s impact for decades to come."
Images courtesy of Sune Sandling/the Museum of Flight
