Ozark Mountain School District Adding Solar Plant

An area school district will be adding Solar Power by the end of the year.

The Ozark Mountain School District recently broke ground on a 625-kilowatt solar plant off Highway 65 in St. Joe. The project will be capable of generating over 1 million kilowatt-hours each year and is estimated to be able to provide 80% of the district’s energy needs.

According to former Ozark Mountain Superintendent Kerry Saylors, “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.”

Today’s Power Inc. (TPI) will build, own and maintain the solar array. The school district will be responsible for purchasing the system’s kilowatt hours under a 20-year contract.

TPI was created in November 2014 by Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI) to help provide solar and emerging technologies to co-op customers. Over the last five years, TPI have installed more than 40 renewable energy projects in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Tennessee.

TPI President Michael Henderson says, “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.”

The Ozark Mountain School District solar array is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

(Story from KTLO)