A switch to solar is coming for the career school in Benton. Several local partners are hosting a ceremony to “Flip the Switch” and change to powering the Campus via their new solar array.
The partners – Saline County Career & Technical Campus, Saline County Judge’s Office, Saline County Economic Development Corporation, ASU Three Rivers, and Seal Solar – will host a public ceremony on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Northwest corner of the rear parking lot at the Campus, located at 13600 I-30 Benton, AR 72015.
The solar array is a 423kWdc (kilowatt direct current) solar array and includes 900 (470-watt) panels on 1.6 acres next to the Saline County Career & Technical Campus. It is estimated to produce 621,000kWh (kilowatt hours) in its first year for the Campus.
“We are extremely excited in regard to the long term benefits this addition will bring to Saline County and the SCCTC,” said Matt Brumley, Saline County Judge. “The solar array and the partnership with Seal Solar will allow for substantial cost savings on electricity used at the facility while also allowing for a hands-on educational opportunity for our students interested in the renewable energy industry.”
Through the partnership with Seal Solar, curriculum will be developed to provide direct training and skill development with students at the SCCTC.
“‘Together we can make a difference’ has been a campus motto since the beginning of the vision for SCCTC,” said Scott Kuttenkuler, Assistant Vice Chancellor for the Saline County Career Technical Campus. “The investment is the next step in making a difference as the solar farm leverages the campus to establish future sustainability and instructional lab space for a future renewable energy program. This project plans for the future in a way that will keep SCCTC at the forefront of the emergent workforce training for Saline County. We anticipate adding such a program and training to our current offerings within the next two years”,