Evansville Regional Airport in Indiana has begun work on a new solar panel covered parking array that, when complete, will supply 50% of the terminal’s power.
The new canopy will be the largest of its kind in the USA, generating 1.3MW of power. The 3,768 solar panels will cover more than 62,000ft2 (5,780m2) of covered parking in Evansville’s short-term and rental car lots, offering weather protection for 387 airport customer vehicles. Only 70 airports out of 3,600 airports nationwide have completed solar facilities of any kind, and Evansville will be only the fifth US airport with solar canopies.
The new solar canopy installation will cost approximately US$6.5m, with the airport expecting to see a carbon footprint reduction, energy savings and revenue of US$9m over the next 20 years, helping it to remain competitive and invest in further sustainable initiatives.
The solar installation enables us to add another highly sought passenger amenity that is environmentally sustainable, cutting-edge and cost-effective,” said Nate Hahn, executive director at the airport.”