The City of Hot Springs anticipates saving more than $30 million on electricity costs over the next 30 years after the Board of Directors unanimously approved at their meeting Tuesday, September 17, 2019, what will be the largest solar municipal project in Arkansas to date as Scenic Hill Solar is set to provide solar electricity for all City operations.
“This solar power initiative is a win-win for the City of Hot Springs as it aligns with our Green Initiatives and will have a dramatic positive impact on the City’s operating budgets for decades to come,” said Hot Springs City Manager, Bill Burrough. “The natural beauty of Hot Springs is something our community and visitors cherish, and this move to solar power is an example of how our municipality and others can move toward protecting our Natural State. We are thankful for Scenic Hill Solar and the partnership we have started.”
Scenic Hill Solar will build, own and operate solar power plants at multiple locations on land leased from the City of Hot Springs. The City will purchase the solar plant’s power according to the 28-year Energy Services Agreement (ESA). Along with the savings on electricity costs, construction of the power plants, which should be complete within a year, will add almost $20 million of economic development for Hot Springs.
“We are delighted to partner with Hot Springs on this transformative set of investments in renewable energy,” said Bill Halter, CEO of Scenic Hill Solar. “We commend the leadership of Hot Springs for moving forward with vision and boldness to provide renewable electricity, reduce total taxpayer spending on electricity, and stimulate local economic development through the construction of multiple power plants. This commitment to smart sustainability is a big reason for companies to look to Hot Springs as a place to thrive.”
The 12.75 MW DC of solar power plants will:
- Produce more than 19,400,000 kWh of electricity in the first year of operation and produce more than 539,500,000 kWh of electricity over the next 30 years.
- Produce enough clean electricity to satisfy the needs of all City governmental operations, including police, fire, water utilities, and so on.
- Contain more than 32,000 solar modules
- Reduce carbon emissions by more than 381,000 metric tons, which is the equivalent to the following:
- Driving 932 million fewer passenger car miles
- Eliminating the burning of more than 417 million pounds of coal
- Providing more than 45,000 homes electricity for one year
About Scenic Hill Solar
Scenic Hill Solar is the largest Arkansas headquartered solar power developer, according to Solar Power World. Scenic Hill Solar provides commercial, industrial, government, and utility clients clean electricity, reduced energy prices and long-term electricity price certainty by developing client-specific solar energy plans. Scenic Hill Solar provides clients either lower-priced electricity under contract or turnkey delivery of solar power plants, depending on clients' specific needs. Scenic Hill Solar is headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Visit the company online at www.ScenicHillSolar.com. Scenic Hill Solar's CEO is former Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter: www.ScenicHillSolar.com/billhalter.