For full article see Solar Industry Magazine May 23, 2016
Mississippi Power and Origis Energy have broken ground on what they say will be Mississippi’s largest solar facility.
When operational, the $100 million facility will generate 52 MW, enough electricity to power approximately 8,000 homes. Mississippi Power will receive all of the energy and associated renewable energy credits produced by the facility under a 25-year power purchase agreement.
“By working with Origis Energy and the Area Development Partnership, we will have nearly doubled the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy going to the Mississippi Power grid,” says the utility’s president and CEO, Anthony L. Wilson.
The new solar facility will be on 590 acres in Lamar County and feature more than 215,000 polycrystalline solar panels. According to the project partners, the facility will create up to 100 jobs during construction and is scheduled to be online in the first quarter of 2017.
“This historic state solar facility is a clear indication of the commitment Mississippi Power, the state of Mississippi and Lamar County officials have to their customers, community and the Pine Belt region,” says Guy Vanderhaegen, president and CEO of Origis Energy. “By working together, these utility and community leaders are creating regional jobs. Our Origis team is honored to be part of the solar revolution now happening in Mississippi.”