City of England Pioneering New Solar Power Model

The City of England launched a notable municipal solar model by partnering with Delta Solar to use non-developable land for solar arrays serving public facilities and other Arkansas customers. The first phase covered roughly 12 acres near Highway 165 and created room for more than 2 MW of solar capacity.

A central feature of the project was ownership. Instead of relying on a long-term third-party structure, the city chose to own its system outright. That approach was designed to reduce exposure to uncertain future electric rates and allow the city to keep the full value of long-term energy savings.

Under the partnership, Delta Solar built and maintained the system while the city retained ownership of the array powering facilities such as the courthouse and parks system. According to the original project announcement, the first phase was expected to save the city more than $174,000 over 30 years.

The England project remains a useful example for municipalities and public entities weighing solar ownership models. Structure matters. The best-fit arrangement depends on who can use incentives, who carries operational responsibility, and who should keep the long-term savings.