CHICKASAW COUNTY, Miss.–Solar power may just be the wave of the future for power in the state. At least it is getting some attention from the state Public Service Commission, the state agency that regulates power companies. The Commission has approved several new projects, including one from Entergy that will work to see if solar power is feasible.
The Entergy projects will be constructed in Jackson, Senatobia and Brookhaven. They will each be able to generate approximately 500kW of electric power and are part of a Commission-approved solar energy pilot program by Entergy designed to collect data on solar energy in Mississippi.
Entergy will contract with a Hattiesburg manufacturing facility, Stion Corporation, to install the facilities, said a news release from Brandon Presley, northern district Public Service commissioner.
“I am extremely proud that we have taken these first steps to make solar energy a reality in Mississippi. These projects are a great start to making sure we harness our natural resources to be more energy independent. I am committed to making sure the Public Service Commission is door-opener and not a gate-keeper when it comes to the production of solar energy in Mississippi.” said Presley. “Even better, we are using Mississippi products, made by Mississippians to produce this electricity.”
INTERVIEW WITH PRESLEY
In Chickasaw County, a massive solar farm will be constructed, with 9,804 solar panels, capable of powering about 300 homes.
The Commodore Solar Farm will be built by Phoenix Solar of San Ramon, Ca., and is a joint effort with local officials.
The site will be near Okalona and will be the largest solar farm in the state.
