South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative to Build Solar Array with Today’s Power, Inc.

SCAEC Building 1 MW Solar System in Arkadelphia

South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative (SCAEC) reached an agreement with Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI) to begin construction of a 1-megawatt solar array near the co-op’s headquarters in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

This project is among the most advanced systems in the country and will involve a single-axis tracking array of more than 3,800 panels that will encompass about eight acres. The system was designed with demand mitigation in mind and will generate 1.415 MWh total peak power.

“We are pleased to add solar energy to our portfolio of assets. The fact that it’s economically viable and green is fantastic for the cooperative and our members,” said Kevin Brownlee, Chief Executive Officer of South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative.

The solar facility will provide local generation for SCAEC members. The distribution co-op serves more than 10,000 member accounts across parts of Clark, Dallas, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Howard, Montgomery, Nevada, and Pike counties.

“This project shows South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s commitment, not only to providing our members with reliable, affordable power, but also to listening to their feedback,” Brownlee said. “Many members have asked in recent years for additional renewable generation sources. This utility-scale installation offers just that.”

This is the 10th of 17 electric cooperatives in Arkansas that TPI has developed a solar or storage project with, with most in the 1 MW range, as the result of a utility partnership in the state of Arkansas.

“We are very excited to partner with SCAEC on this utility scale solar project. This project will result in significant savings for the members of SCAEC over its 25-year estimated life as well as provide economic stimulus for Clark County and the Arkadelphia community” Michael Henderson, President of TPI stated. “This project shows how progressive the Board of Directors and Management of SCAEC are in meeting the needs of its membership and ensuring they receive maximum value” he went on to say.