First Electric Upgrading Solar Array
Posted on July 31st, 2024
First Electric Cooperative Corporation, in partnership with Today’s Power, Inc., is upgrading the solar array at 8271 Congo Road in Benton.
The project involves removing the current system and constructing a 1MW AC solar power system expected to generate at least 2,000,000 kWh of energy annually and over 122,414,697 kWh over 25 years. The system will offset carbon emissions of 3,573,383 miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle per EPA.GOV.
The 1MW AC includes 2,550 bifacial panels and eight 125 kW inverters on a single-axis tracker system. The updated technology uses industry-standard equipment to improve the array’s production and system output.
The estimated completion date is the fourth quarter of 2024.
First Electric’s President/CEO, Mark Snowden, said, “Due to our partnership with Today’s Power, Inc., our members can benefit from improved technology and the Investment Tax Credits (ITC) not otherwise offered to our cooperative, which offsets the project cost and benefits our cooperative members.”
Snowden continued, “Renewables greatly complement our load in Arkansas. On a clear day when the sun is shining brightly, the ability to offset during peak hours and reduce demand on our system is needed.”