The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the solar park and the annex to the Delta Housing Complex at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4.
The free, public event will take place in front of the Delta Housing Complex at 1701 L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive at UAPB.
The solar park is the culmination of a $19.3 million energy performance contract through the Arkansas Energy Performance Contracting (AEPC) Program.
“The keystone of the project is a 321 KwH photovoltaic solar array that ranks as the largest public solar installation in Arkansas. The energy performance contract is also the largest of its kind completed under the AEPC Program,” according to a news release.
The solar panels in the array will power the Johnny B. Johnson Housing complex, one of the largest dormitories on campus. The panels will also decrease UAPB’s energy consumption by 32 percent, making UAPB the first state university to meet the 30 percent energy reduction mandate signed into law by Act 1494 of 2009, according to the release.
“Energy savings from these improvements are guaranteed by Performance Services to cover the costs of installation on an annual basis over 19 years,” according to the release.
Built in 2003, the Delta Housing Complex is a three-story residence hall with suite-style living for 384 female students. The annex is a four-story structure that adds 144 units to the complex and creates a courtyard between the two buildings. The 41,835 square-foot addition will also house the residential life office and a police substation. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, an open house will include a tour of the facility. Details: 575-8970.