JACKSON, Miss. -Construction is underway on the second of three Entergy Mississippi solar pilot installations in the state, this one in DeSoto County.
The fixed-tilt solar array will produce 500 kilowatts of electricity once up and running, and will help Entergy answer some of the many questions about solar while giving customers access to this renewable energy source.
“This project will help us answer questions about the economics of solar power, and how efficient or feasible it will be at various locations in Mississippi,” said Aaron Hill, Entergy Mississippi manager of asset management and planning. “Spreading the sites across the state will help us understand locational differences, capacity factor, different weather patterns and irradiance at different locations.”
The project, is expected to cost less than $5 million for all three sites.
Construction on the first solar array, a ground-mounted system that tracks the sun’s movement throughout the day, began in June at Entergy’s Hinds Generating Facility in Jackson. A third fixed-tilt solar array will be built in Lincoln County.
Combined, the three sites will provide 1,500 kilowatts of electricity (500 kW each), which is enough to power the equivalent of 175 homes. All three sites are expected to be operational before the end of the year.
Entergy Mississippi, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 442,000 customers in 45 counties.
