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Arkansas’ Solar Energy Revolution
Arkansas may have plenty of trees, but it’s not behind the times when it comes to solar power. Business and community leaders are embracing solar as a smart financial decision, and momentum for solar projects is building across the state.
Solar Success Stories in Arkansas
One example is Producers Rice Mill in Stuttgart, which is currently installing a 20-megawatt power plant with battery storage and a micro-grid that will power over 60% of its operations. This will be the largest commercial and industrial solar project in Arkansas, bringing millions of dollars in energy cost savings over the next 30 years.
Union County Quorum Court is also looking to transform a landfill into a solar farm that will supply electricity to government buildings, including the county health unit and courthouse. The project is projected to pay off in 16 years of operation, and with federal tax credits, it could be profitable in just 13 years.
The Law of Supply and Demand
Increasing supply of energy will bring costs down for consumers and help lift impoverished communities in Arkansas. The state has the fifth-worst poverty rate in the country, with 15.2% of residents living below the poverty line. With more affordable energy, people will rely less on programs like the Low Income Energy Assistance Program.
A Positive Impact
Transitioning to renewable energy has many environmental benefits, including the fact that sunshine is a free, harmless resource. However, solar farms do have an impact on wildlife habitats. Additionally, rare-earth minerals used in solar panels are subject to price fluctuations and are primarily located in China and Russia, where the mining and refining processes have significant environmental implications.
Expectations for the Future
Solar energy may be better than traditional fossil fuels, but it still comes at a cost. As we embrace a new era of energy, we must manage our expectations and consider the impact on our environment and communities.
