Pulaski County Maximize Savings and Conserves Energy with Completed Solar Project

Judge Barry Hyde, Adam Fogelman, and Michael Henderson “Flipped the Switch” on solar power at the Pulaski County Detention Center.

Pulaski County & Today’s Power, Inc. Flip the Switch on Solar Power at the Pulaski County Detention Center

With a flip of the switch today, County Judge Barry Hyde dedicated a 756-panel solar array near the Pulaski County Detention Center, intended to minimize the county’s expenses for electricity consumption.

Today’s Power Inc. (TPI) formally interconnected the solar project for Pulaski County to the grid, the first of two county-based solar projects planned in 2019. Once completed, both projects combined will equal a total capacity of 86 percent of the county’s existing electricity demand.

“Pulaski County led the effort to open access for non-profits and counties to use reliable, renewable energy in 2019, and now we are proud to have ‘flipped the switch’ on a solar array dedicated to Pulaski County’s use,” said County Judge Barry Hyde.

Judge Barry Hyde

“This project will result in significant financial savings to Pulaski County. Those savings will allow us to divert funds to more impactful services such as youth services, emergency management or public works. This is the right thing to do, environmentally and financially.”

Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI) was chosen by Pulaski County in 2019 to provide solar-produced power for county use. Work on the 250-kW system began in late 2020 and was completed in April 2021, after all regulatory and utility approvals were issued. For the length of the 20-year agreement, the county will purchase electricity generated by the array at 4.9 cents per kilowatt hour. TPI is going to finance, operate and own 100% of the solar array.

“Through technology and partnership, this project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to meeting Pulaski County’s future needs,” according to TPI President Michael Henderson. “This project will provide Pulaski County with cost-effective energy security, and we appreciate Judge Barry Hyde’s foresight and the county’s willingness to take on a project like this to promote Pulaski County’s environmental and economic development,” he added.

Justin McCann, VP of Engineering at Today’s Power provides tour of solar facility after the Flip the Switch Ceremony

The second phase of this project, which will consist of a TPI 4.6 MW fixed-tilt solar array located in the Little Rock Port Authority Industrial Park, is currently pending approval by the Arkansas Public Service Commission. This system is projected to be completed in 2021.