The Ozark Mountain School District began the process of constructing a 625-kilowatt solar system off of Highway 65 in St. Joe on June 17, 2021. The invested project will be capable of generating over 1,000,000 kWh per year.
“Investing in solar is the most cost-effective way to support those who work and learn in Ozark Mountain Schools while also investing in a renewable, safe, and sustainable source of generation to keep our community natural,” Ozark Mountain Superintendent, Kerry Saylors, said.
The Ozark Mountain School District signed a solar power service agreement (SPSA) with Today’s Power Inc (TPI) for the next 20 years to purchase the solar energy produced by the array. The agreement with TPI. was organized through a collaboration between the school district and The Barnabas Team to perform the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The district will not be responsible or liable for any of the ongoing maintenance or running of the solar system under the agreement with TPI. The school is only responsible for buying the system’s kilowatt-hours (kWh). This agreement will help keep the district’s energy costs stable.
“We’ve been told for decades that switching to renewable energy isn’t cost-effective, but that is no longer the case. Ozark Mountain Schools’ investment in solar power will provide rate predictability for the next 20 years, as well as environmental benefits and educational opportunities. We are honored to collaborate with Ozark Mountain Schools, Superintendent Kerry Saylors, and the school board.,” President of TPI, Michael Henderson, said.
TPI will construct and own the solar array. Using fixed-tilt technology, the 1,600-molecule solar array will be designed to ensure optimal efficiency. The North Little Rock-based company has installed more than 30 solar projects totaling more than 45 megawatts in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Tennessee.
The solar array for the Ozark Mountain School District is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
Photo courtesy Today’s Power Inc.
