Entegrity to build $1 million solar project in Prairie Grove

Little Rock-based Entegrity, an energy services, sustainability and solar development company, is developing a nearly $1 million solar project for the city of Prairie Grove.

The project will include two single-axis tracking solar arrays, with a combined generating capacity of 644.5 kilowatts. Entegrity will design, build, operate, maintain and finance the arrays that will meet 80% of the city’s electricity usage, said Malleri Rhodes, communications director for Entegrity.

“The city was wise and decided to leave a 20% buffer in case future technologies further reduce their electricity usage,” Rhodes said. The city will purchase electricity from the arrays under a 25-year agreement, but the arrays are expected to produce electricity for more than 35 years, she said. The project requires no upfront cost for the city.

Design work on the project is underway, and the completion of the project will depend on acquiring land for the second array. A 395-kilowatt array will be built on 2 acres adjacent to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The location for the 249.5-kilowatt array has yet to be determined.

“As mayor, I am always trying to be a good steward of the city’s resources, whether its financial resources or natural resources,” Mayor Sonny Hudson said. “The solar project with Entegrity will benefit the city financially now and benefit the Northwest Arkansas environment for years to come.” The city expects to save $38,000 annually and nearly $1 million over the life of the project.