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FEATURE
Above, left: Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde speaks at the “Flip the Switch” event. Above, right: TPI’s Vice President of Engineering Justin McCann gives attendees a tour of the new solar array.
Pulaski County flips the switch on new solar array Story and Photos By Holland Doran AAC Communications Coordinator
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Pulaski County with cost-effective energy security, and we appreciate Judge Barry Hyde’s foresight, and the county’s willingness to take on a project like this to promote Pulaski County’s environmental and economic development.” The second phase of the county’s solar project, which will consist of a 4.6 mega-watt fixed-tilt solar array located in the Little Rock Port Authority Industrial Park, is currently pending approval by the Arkansas Public Service Commission. This system is projected to be completed in 2021. “The green projects we have employed and the ones that we’re developing, signify Pulaski County’s commitment to building a sustainable future as well as creating an environment that is welcoming and attractive to employers and citizens,” Hyde said. “As we continue to grow as a county, we must do it in a fiscally responsible manner while being cognizant of our impact on the environment.”
ulaski County Judge Barry Hyde flipped the switch on the county’s new 756-panel solar array March 9, at the Pulaski County Detention Center. Pulaski County officials, Today’s Power Inc. (TPI), and other invitees gathered at the 250-kilowatt solar farm to commemorate the completion of the first phase of the county’s two-pronged green initiative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, improve the quality of life in the county by protecting public safety, and reduce energy costs. “Pulaski County led the effort to open access for non-profits and counties to use reliable, renewable energy in 2019, and now we are proud to have flipped the switch on a solar array dedicated to Pulaski County’s use,” Hyde said at the event. The solar project will result in significant financial savings to Pulaski County. “Those savings will allow us to divert funds to more impactful services such as youth services, emergency management or public works,” Hyde said. “This is the right thing to do, environmentally and financially.” The array expected to generate between 80 percent and 100 percent of the county’s electric demand with expected savings at approximately $150,000 in the first year. It will power buildings such as the courthouse and jail among other facilities. It’s operated by Today’s Power Inc. and will provide electricity to the county under a 20-year power purchase agreement. During the array’s dedication ceremony, TPI President Michael Henderson thanked Hyde and Pulaski County for their partnership. “Through technology and partnership, this project exempli- Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, Pulaski County Attorney Adam fies a forward-thinking approach to meeting Pulaski Coun- Fogleman and TPI President Michael Henderson flip the switch ty’s future needs,” Henderson said. “This project will provide on the county’s new solar array. 30
COUNTY LINES, SPRING 2021
