Viola School District is moving toward going almost wholly solar.
The district has broken ground on a new solar array construction project, partnering with Today’s Power Inc. on a 480-kW DC/375 kW AC single-axis tracking system near Viola Elementary School. This solar array is expected to provide more than 90 percent of the district’s energy needs.
Featuring 1,260 solar panels, the array will generate approximately 850,000 kilowatt-hours annually. The remainder of the district’s energy will be provided by North Arkansas Electric Cooperative.
“Investing in local communities gives viola schools and the community a direct benefit as a resource to students to learn about the technology of renewable energy. Parents and students should be proud of the desire and leadership of the Viola School Board to lead progressive education initiatives such as this solar facility,” TPI president Michael Henderson said in a statement.
According to Viola School District superintendent John May, the solar array will help the district to be “fiscally responsible” and to use all available resources. “The development of a clean, renewable energy system for our campus is an outstanding example of action to that goal” he said.
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