FREELAND, MI, June X, 2026 – MBS International Airport, in partnership with Veregy, celebrated the completion of its multi-phase solar and EV infrastructure project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon on Thursday, June 4.
The event brought together airport leaders and staff, local and state leaders, project partners, and community members. Remarks were shared by James Canders, MBS Airport Director; Vaughn Begick, Commission Chair; Corey Harper, Veregy Airport Leader; and Jeff Studebaker, Veregy Account Executive.
“Veregy has been a great company to work with, and I’m very lucky to have settled into a community that has so many great participants,” remarked James Canders, MBS Airport Director, as he recognized the key stakeholders, partners, and community members in attendance. “We’re so excited to have these systems coming online. We’re starting to see the savings already, and it’s higher than we anticipated.”
During the ceremony, Veregy presented MBS International Airport with an award recognizing the project as Veregy’s East Region Project of the Year. Veregy also presented the airport with a ceremonial check representing the $3.9 million federal rebate MBS is receiving through the Inflation Reduction Act. The airport originally anticipated approximately $2.8 million in federal reimbursement but qualified for significantly more upon filing.
The airport and team cut the ribbon in front of two EV charging stations installed as part of the project. Following the ribbon-cutting, Canders and Begick ceremonially switched on a solar inverter to energize the system. Phase I of the project was energized earlier this year. Phase II of the project is completed and awaiting Consumers Energy approval to energize. Consumers Energy was present at the ribbon-cutting and stated that the energization for Phase II would be coming “soon.”
The project includes Michigan’s largest airport solar array and has positioned MBS as a leader in airport sustainability. The MBS International Airport Solar Project was named the 2025 Michigan Department of Transportation Project of the Year. The award recognized the airport’s commitment to innovation, facility management, and sustainable infrastructure.
Phase I included a 342-kW solar carport canopy system at a rental car lot, producing over 400,000 kWh and providing $26,849 in guaranteed annual energy savings. Phase II added 646 kW of solar carport canopies spanning nearly 200 parking spaces in the premium short-term parking lots, along with 216 kW of ground-mounted solar panels at the airfield. Phase II will produce more than 1,000,000 kWh annually and generate over $325,000 in guaranteed annual energy savings. With revenue from improvements, energy savings, and rebates, the project is expected to achieve a positive return on investment in approximately 10 years.
Watch the project time-lapse video: https://vimeo.com/1197824998
View the solar system production in real-time: https://lightlevel.io/kiosk?org=HxSAaAai7z
The project enhances the passenger experience with solar-covered parking, under-canopy lighting, bird deterrents, and EV charging infrastructure including Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast, and Electric Aircraft chargers. MBS is currently the only airport in Michigan offering passengers covered parking through solar canopies.
The total investment for both phases represents a $9.5 million commitment to the region’s future and is funded through airport revenue and savings, with no impact on local taxes.
About MBS International Airport
MBS International Airport, formally named Tri-City Airport, is a special municipality uniquely owned and operated by the City of Midland, the City of Saginaw, and the County of Bay. Located in Freeland, Michigan, the airport is strategically positioned to serve as a vital transportation hub for the three owning communities.
In 2026, MBS was named the “Michigan Department of Transportation Commercial Airport of the Year,” recognizing its excellence in facility management and commitment to innovative infrastructure. As a leader in sustainable aviation, MBS is home to the largest airport solar array in the state of Michigan, providing clean energy and premier amenities like solar-covered parking to travelers. Learn more at www.mbsairport.org.
About Veregy
Veregy is an award-winning NAESCO-accredited decarbonization company focusing on accelerating and simplifying the Energy Transition. With extensive experience serving Michigan communities and offices in 13 locations across the country, Veregy provides turnkey engineering and construction services designed to reduce their clients’ energy and operating costs through the implementation of energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades, smart building technology, fleet EV infrastructure, clean energy generation, and sustainability. The national firm has over 35 years of industry experience and has delivered more than $2.1B+ in energy savings projects. To learn more about Veregy, visit their website at www.veregy.com.
