TPI completes 1-megawatt solar array in Texarkana

• Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative (SWAEC) introduced Monday (Sept. 28) the completion of the 1.4-megawatt C. Wayne Whitaker Solar Power Generation Facility off Highway 49 in Texarkana.

The fully-operational facility can give 2.25 million kilowatt-hours each year as well as was developed to lower the cooperative's peak need. It was devoted to SWAEC President as well as CEO Wayne Whitaker, that is retiring this year. North Little Rock-based renewable resource company Today's Power Inc. (TPI) mounted the 1.4-megawatt DC single-axis tracking system. TPI operates the variety via a 20-year arrangement with the cooperative.

" It is an honor to be part of this flip the switch ceremony and particularly the commitment of this solar facility to Wayne Whitaker," TPI President Michael Henderson said. "I have had the possibility to collaborate with Wayne for 34 years, and also I hold him in the greatest consider a sector leader. He has constantly made well through-out choices that remain in the best passion of the members. This solar system is a wonderful agent of Wayne by being effective, leading side, dependable as well as has wonderful endurance."

The array was improved 7 acres owned by the participating as well as includes almost 3,800 solar panels and also a life span of more than 25 years.

" Our collaboration with Today's Power permits us to include 1 (megawatt) of eco-friendly generation to our portfolio and also improve the lifestyle for our members," Whitaker said. "Our objective at Southwest Arkansas Electric is to provide excellent electrical service to the area that is safe, reliable and budget friendly."

The cooperative has greater than 28,000 members throughout the counties of Columbia; Hempstead; Howard; Lafayette; Little River; Miller; Polk; Sevier; McCurtain, Okla.; as well as Bowie, Texas.

TPI is a subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc., a Little Rock-based utility service participating possessed by 17 Arkansas electrical circulation cooperatives.