U of A to Unveil Solar Farm on Earth Day, Launching a Landmark Clean Energy Initiative

The Office for Sustainability is inviting the campus community to attend a commemoration of the University of Arkansas Systemwide solar energy project on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22.

The project is the largest commercial solar project in Arkansas history and includes more than 20 solar power plants across the state. One of those solar facilities will be unveiled at the event, located in west Fayetteville, and is currently serving the university's Cato Springs Research Center.

The event will kick off at 11 a.m. with remarks from Provost Indrajeet Chaubey; Chris Thomason, the UA System vice president for planning and development; Scott Turley, senior advisor and project manager for Facilities Management; and Bill Halter, CEO of Scenic Hill Solar.

All are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, participate in a tour of the newly operational solar panels, and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

The address for Wednesday's event is 8200 W. Wedington Drive, and those who would like to attend the ceremony can RSVP by simply emailing sustain@uark.edu. Street parking will be available on the east side of N. Riches Road.

Top Four in U.S. History

As the fourth-largest university solar deployment in the U.S. history, the solar services agreement, signed in 2022, is expected to create both significant energy savings for the UA System and substantial economic impact for the state over the next 25 years.

The Fayetteville campus alone accounts for over half of the project's total energy production usage. Through this ambitious project, the campus will hedge against expected rising energy rates, reduce environmental impact, create opportunities for hands-on learning and research, and take a big step toward achieving its 2040 carbon neutrality goals.

Through a competitive bidding process, the UA System entered into a solar services agreement with Scenic Hill Solar to provide energy as a service to UA campuses.

The private-company partner designed, installed and connected the solar systems and will continue to maintain and operate them, allowing the university to purchase the entire renewable energy output at a predetermined rate.

This partnership helps reduce utility costs for campus and makes a significant investment in the people of Arkansas with no up-front cost to the university.

The environmental benefits will help position the U of A as a national leader in renewable energy, innovation and sustainability.  

Many of the universities' solar power plants are already operational, with the remaining expected to be fully online later in 2026.

About the Office for Sustainability: The mission of the University of Arkansas Office for Sustainability is to motivate, facilitate and coordinate responsible practices through partnerships with students, faculty and staff across all campus departments. The OFS uses the campus as a living laboratory by overseeing the implementation of the U of A environmental goals.