Overview
Holistic Utility Solutions was engaged by Texarkana Regional Airport to serve as Owner’s Representative and Construction Manager for a solar carport installation at the newly constructed Jim E. Yates Terminal.
The project consists of approximately 500+ kW of solar generation installed as parking canopies adjacent to the terminal facility.
The objective was to reduce long-term operating cost, increase parking revenue, and leverage available tax incentives and low-interest state financing.
Progress
Holistic was retained to provide independent oversight of the solar contractor’s design and ensure alignment with the airport’s operational and financial objectives.
Scope included:
- Review of contractor’s engineering and layout
- Financial modeling and tax incentive analysis
- Rate tariff optimization review
- Coordination with State Energy Office financing programs
- Ongoing construction oversight
During review of the contractor’s audit and utility structure, Holistic Utility Solutions identified an opportunity to optimize rate tariffs across two meters, resulting in approximately 20% additional project savings.
The project was initially structured to utilize a low-interest State energy loan. Following an unexpected denial based on a technicality, Holistic coordinated with the contractor, owner, and State representatives to restructure the financing approach and ultimately retain the 0.4% interest Arkansas Energy Office AEPC-RLLF funds.
Solution
Holistic Utility Solutions provided an Owner’s Representative delivery model, ensuring the airport retained independent technical and financial advocacy throughout the project.
The solar carport system provides:
- Approximately 528 kW-dc of generation
- Federal Investment Tax Credit benefits (approximately 30%)
- Increased covered parking revenue
- Reduced airport energy cost
In addition to solar generation, the canopy structure enhances the passenger experience by providing shaded parking and improved site aesthetics.
Result
Projected financial impacts include:
- Approximately $55,000 annual increase in parking revenue
- Approximately $55,000 annual reduction in energy cost
- Significant tax credit value
- $1M+ in lifetime interest savings through low-rate financing
By serving as Owner’s Representative, we ensured the project remained financially optimized while protecting the owner’s interests during design, financing, and implementation.
This project demonstrates how solar carports can serve both infrastructure and revenue enhancement objectives for airport and municipal facilities.
