b'22 EVV FACILITIESParking lot improvements included a $6.5 million installation of solar-array canopies that cover 205 previously uncovered spaces in the airports short-term passenger parking lot and 175 spaces Amenities for staff include a conference room, locker room, sleeping quarters,in a rental car parking lot. Completed in showers and laundry equipment.2020, the solar panels3,460 in allsupply about half of the electricity used by the terminal. Its one of the largest such projects of its kind at an airport nationwide, says Hahn.The airport took out a loan to build the solar panel canopies, which are now saving the airport $150,000 to $200,000 per year in energy costs. Those savings, coupled with increased revenue from parking feesa result of more people using the lot now that its coveredwill pay off the loan, Hahn says.On average, that lot used to be only 30% to 40% full, he points out. Now its usually about 90% full.In summer, the solar arrays produce more electricity than the terminal uses. That enables the airport to sell electricity to the grid, which creates another revenue stream for paying off the loan. Looking ahead, EVV officials might expand the airports solar capabilities to possibly supply power to the new maintenance building. Projects like this reflect the airports philosophy of continually improving its infrastructure to remain competitive,Hahn says.During the last eight years, weve put about $220 million back into the local economy through our construction projects, he says. I think airports should always be moving forward. If youre not growing, youre dying. March | April 2025AirportImprovement.com'