Keo Fish Farms to build $1.5 million solar array

Keo Fish Farms will spend $1.5 million to build an 856-kilowatt solar array at its Lonoke County facility. It will save the farm $110,726 during its first year and is projected to save up to $4.1 million during the next three decades, according to the owners.

The company partnered with Delta Solar to build the array.

Keo Fish Farms co-owner Mike Freeze was skeptical about building the array. He thought it would cost too much and have a negative impact on land use. But his son-in-law and company General Manager Seth Summerside convinced him that the benefits outweighed the potential costs.

“Farmers are the ultimate conservationists,” Summerside said. “I believe aquaculture has the potential to be the safest, most sustainable agricultural product and provide more to the environment than it takes. Solar power is one step in that direction.”

Keo Fish Farms is the world’s leading producer of hybrid striped bass and one of the top three producers of sterile grass carp in the U.S.

“Keo Fish Farms is investing in both their business and the community in which they live,” said Delta Solar CEO Doug Hutchings. “Working with First Electric to build a solar facility that complements the local grid creates value for everyone.”