OZARK MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT TO INVEST IN SOLAR PROJECT

The Ozark Mountain School District broke ground on a 625-kilowatt solar system off of Highway 65 in St. Joe today, which will meet 80% of the district’s energy needs. The project, which will use fixed-tilt technology and be capable of generating over 1,000,000 kWh per year.

According to Ozark Mountain Superintendent, Kerry Saylors, “Investing in solar is the most cost-effective way to support those who work and learn in Ozark Mountain Schools while also investing in a renewable, safe, and sustainable source of generation to keep our community natural.”

By collaborating with The Barnabas Team, out of Bentonville, Arkansas to perform the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, Ozark Mountain Schools were able to achieve very competitive long-term rates with Today’s Power Inc. (TPI). The 1,600-module solar array will also be tailored during the design phase to ensure optimal efficiency. The school will be responsible only for buying the system’s kilowatt-hours (kWh), not for its continuing operation and maintenance. Both of these factors combined keep the district’s energy costs steady and manageable.

TPI, a North Little Rock-based company, founded by Arkansas rural electric cooperatives will build and own the solar array. Over the last five years, Today’s Power Inc. has installed more than 40 renewable energy projects totaling more than 60 megawatts in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Tennessee.

“We’ve been told for decades that switching to renewable energy isn’t cost effective, but that is no longer the case. Ozark Mountain Schools’ investment in solar power will provide rate predictability for the next 20 years, as well as environmental benefits and educational opportunities. We are honored to collaborate with Ozark Mountain Schools, Superintendent Kerry Saylors, and the school board,” said Michael Henderson, President of TPI.

The Ozark Mountain School District has signed a solar power service agreement (SPSA) with Today’s Power Inc. for the next 20 years to purchase solar energy produced by array. The district will not be subjected to or liable for the ongoing costs of maintaining and running the solar system under this agreement. “TPI is proud to be working with Ozark Mountain Schools. The district will generate renewable energy with this solar array, which will help all of its students by lowering the school’s energy consumption.

The 625-kW solar array for the Ozark Mountain School District is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

ABOUT

Ozark Mountain School District (OMSD) is made up of three separate K-12 campuses: Bruno-Pyatt, St. Joe, and Western Grove. This District is located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains with an area of 368 square miles.

At Ozark Mountain School District, they foster an environment where knowledge and excellence are valued, and individuals become productive citizens.

CONTACT: Kerry Saylors – Superintendent ksay@omsd.k12.ar.us

Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI) is one of the nation’s most experienced renewable energy companies with more utility-scale projects than any Arkansas-based company. A wholly owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., TPI is a full-service provider able to carry out all phases of any solar or battery storage project including, but not limited to, full bill / rate analysis, site evaluation, engineering procurement, design, commissioning, monitoring, operating, and maintaining projects.