HATTIESBURG, MS – Cooperative Energy and Origis Energy USA today announced the installation of the first solar power panels at the 540-acre solar site located near Sumrall in Lamar County. Construction began in April on the 52 MW solar energy facility, which will provide clean energy to the generation and transmission cooperative’s 423,000 members across Mississippi. Origis Energy has developed, is constructing, and will operate the electric generation site. Cooperative Energy will purchase all power produced at the location.
At completion of the facility in December 2017, the site will encompass approximately 200,000 photovoltaic solar panels. Installation of solar panels represents a major milestone in the facility’s construction schedule. Final stages include solar power panels and inverter installation and interconnection and commissioning.
Solar generated electricity is part of the diverse energy portfolio for Cooperative Energy and its members.
“Our members have told us they want more renewable energy in our portfolio,” said Jim Compton, Cooperative Energy’s president and CEO. “The project provides a significant amount of solar energy to power the homes and businesses we serve. So we are responding to our members, and also providing clean, affordable energy.”