When Curt Castagna built four new airplane hangars at Van Nuys Airport, he started to think about all the wasted space - on the roof.

So he decided to fill up that space by going into the solar energy business, a first for his group and a first for the general aviation airport.

Castagna, CEO of Aeroplex/Aerolease Group, a company that builds and manages properties at airports, announced it will partner with Los Angeles-based PCS Energy to add rooftop solar to the new airport buildings.

The joint venture will produce 1,200 kilowatts of electricity by directing the sun's rays to 4,000 photovoltaic panels mounted on 150,000 square feet of rooftop space on the four buildings - enough to power about 200 homes.

"This is the first-ever solar installation at Van Nuys Airport that will help reduce its carbon footprint and demonstrate the aviation community's commitment to environmental stewardship," said Castagna.

He said he is examining other airports, including the larger Long Beach Airport, for future airport solar energy projects.

"We are evaluating other airports. We are looking at other areas and other buildings," he said.

All the energy produced by the Van Nuys Airport solar project will be purchased by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Aeroplex/Aerolease predicts the project will continue producing energy for 20 years.

The project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 4 million pounds each year, the equivalent of 6.5 million automobile miles, the company reported. Instead of power from fossil-fuel powered plants, the solar power will remove 791 smog particulates and 12,863 pounds of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

"This is the first time we've done solar. It is the right thing to do," Castagna said. "Van Nuys Airport is looking to be sustainable."

Castagna said the panels were approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and will not cause glare to airplanes flying into or out of the airport. Van Nuys Airport is owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports.

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