New Grand Junction Airport Parking Lot Will Power More Than Cars

If you have been to the Grand Junction Regional Airport lately, you might have noticed the long-term parking area is sporting a whole new look. There’s a new covered parking area at the airport that opened on September 1.

The new parking area adds additional spaces and protection from Western Colorado's unpredictable weather, all built under a 668-kilowatt solar array. They even added EV chargers.

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The Roof Over the Parking Area Is A Solar Power Plant

Colorado Airport’s New Parking Lot Has a Solar-Powered Twist

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If everything goes according to plan, Grand Junction Airport’s new 668-kilowatt rooftop solar array could generate enough electricity to offset the power used by the passenger terminal. That’s huge! Airport CEO Angela Padalecki told KKCO News 11 that additional power is important as airports face future electricity demand from technology.

GJT Adds EV Charging to the Covered Lot

The new parking structure at the airport includes seven EV charging spaces. Six are in standard spaces, and one is in a handicapped space. These upgrades were a part of the airport’s 2026 parking plan and a notable change for GJT. This upgrade qualifies for the Section 48E Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit.

Grand Junction Airport's Huge Parking Upgrade

Colorado Airport’s New Parking Lot Has a Solar-Powered Twist

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Funding for the covered airport parking project in Grand Junction was approved with a total project estimate of $7.422 million. Grand Junction Airport believes the $1.75 million federal solar tax credit would bring the overall cost of the parking project down to around $5.6 million. The airport took out a $6.5 million State Infrastructure Bank Loan in 2025, with airport documents indicating approximately $2.5 million would be used for parking expansion and about $4 million for improvements to the existing lot and roadways.