A Camden-area educational cooperative has activated a new solar array designed to meet the majority of its energy needs.
The South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC) flipped the switch on its new 100 kilowatt solar array on Monday, June 29. Today’s Power Inc. developed the array, which is capable of producing 185,000 kilowatt-hours every year and is expected to generate approximately 99 percent of SCSC’s electrical needs.
“We are excited to partner with SCSC as they fulfill their mission” Today’s Power Inc. Presidnet Michael Henderson said in a statement. “Embracing leading edge technology so all of their member schools receive benefits of lower cost and contributing to a cleaner environment is sending the right message to the 15,954 students they represent.”
The new array, which features 324 solar panels, is located at SCSC’s headquarters in Camden.
“This project exemplifies partnership and investing in our community,” SCSC director Karen Kay McMahen said.
Ouachita Electric Cooperative (OECC), the energy cooperative in SCSC’s region, consulted on the project, evaluating SCSC’s facilities when SCSC officials reached out to discuss its energy bills. OECC recommended adopting solar power as a way of mitigating costs.
“Our goal at OECC is to help our members receive the lowest cost, most sustainable and most efficient energy available,” Mark Cayce, CEO/General Manager of Ouachita Electric Cooperative, said.
SCSC is one of 16 educational cooperatives in Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Department of Education, the cooperative oversees 13 school districts with 39 schools. The SCSC website lists the following district as member school districts: Bearden Schools, Camden-Fairview Schools, El Dorado Schools, Emerson-Taylor-Bradley Schools, Hampton Schools, Harmony Grove Schools, Junction City Schools, Magnolia Schools, Parkers Chapel Schools, Smackover-Norphlet Schools and Strong-Huttig Schools.
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