Paragould Light Water & Cable, Evergy launch 1.92 MW solar array for Paragould, Arkansas

Work concluded this week on a 1.92 MW solar system for the city of Paragould, Ark., thanks to joint efforts between Every and Paragould Light Water & Cable (PLWC).

With the beginning of commercial operations, the city has gained 4,692 panels capable of generating approximately 3.4 million kWh annually. That means essentially enough to power more than 200 years for a year. The panels are bifacial and incorporate Schletter single axis trackers to optimize their efficiency.

“At Evergy, our goal was to ensure that the energy generated from the new solar array was the lowest cost peak power resource in PLWC’s energy portfolio,” Lloyd Jackson, managing director for Evergy Energy Partners, said.

According to Evergy, the system should also help offset the energy costs associated with Paragould’s overall energy portfolio. The agreement that launched this system was built as a build/transfer agreement between the municipal power company, the city of Paragould, and Evergy.

“We are proud to bring solar-generated power to the citizens of Paragould and to do so with Evergy, a trusted partner for 18 years,” Darrell Phillips, CEO of Paragould Light Water & Cable, said. “PLWC continues on a progressive track with our recent 1-GIG internet launch, and now we’re generating solar energy in an exciting new way. We’re building superior infrastructure in our city and providing reliable products for our friends and neighbors.”

This new power source will help supply the city’s more than 26,000 residents and build on the energy management partnership that has connected Evergy and PLWC for more than a decade. Evergy won the contract to build the solar array following a competitive bidding process.