The City of Greenwood is going solar in 2021, with plans to build two solar power plants.
Greenwood is partnering with Scenic Hill Solar on the power plants, which are expected to generate 950 kilowatts of capacity and provide 50 percent of the city’s government and municipal operations’ energy needs. Developing and building the solar plants is a roughly $1.7 million project.
In total, the solar power plants are projected to save the city $48,000 per year. Scenic Hill Solar estimates that the city will save approximately $1.9 million over 28 years.
One solar power plant will provide 750 kilowatts of energy and will be located on city-owned land bordering a water treatment plant. It will be in Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative service territory.
The second power plant will provide 200 kilowatts of energy and will be located on city-owned land next to Greenwood Lake and southwest of the water treatment facility.
These two solar power plants, which will feature two ground-mounted fixed tilt systems with approximately 2,335 solar modules, are projected to produce more than 1,448,670 kilowatt-hours of electricity in the first year and produce more than 40,200,780 kilowatt-hours over 30 years
“We are delighted to partner with Greenwood on these investments in renewable energy,” Scenic Hill Solar CEO Bill Halter said in a statement. “We commend Mayor Kinslow and the City Council of Greenwood for moving forward with vision and boldness to provide renewable electricity, reduce total taxpayer spending on electricity, and stimulate local economic development through the construction of two power plants. This commitment to smart sustainability is a big reason for companies to look to Greenwood as a place to thrive.”
Scenic Hill Solar will develop the project and will own and operate the power plants. The North Little Rock-based company will sell electricity to the City of Greenwood under a long-term contract.
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