Conway Solar at Happy | 135MW in Arkansas
Affordable, locally-generated, clean energy for the city of Conway, Arkansas
135MWᴅᴄ
/95MWᴀᴄ of home-grown renewable energy, enough to power 21,000 homes
162,800 metric tons
carbon emissions abated each year for healthier air
300
jobs created during construction, supporting local workers and domestic supply chains
$125 million
private investment in energy infrastructure for Arkansas's energy security and independence
35,400
fuel-burning cars taken off road (equivalent)
Site selection & preliminary design
Stakeholder outreach
Permitting & environmental studies
Land management & biodiversity planning
Final engineering, financing & construction
Operation & maintenance
Decommissioning & recycling
About the Conway Solar at Happy project
In April 2020, Conway Corp and Lightsource bp announced that they had entered a long-term, fixed-rate power purchase agreement to develop a 135-megawatt solar project in White County, Arkansas, called Conway Solar at Happy. Lightsource bp has financed, is building, and will operate the facility. The solar energy the project generates will be delivered to Conway Corp in order to supply affordable, clean energy to their customers in the city of Conway.
The Conway Solar projects brings multiple benefits to the community such as: property tax revenue over the project life that will benefit local schools, a long-term land management plan that will optimize environmental benefits of the project, and 300 jobs during construction of the project. Conway Solar at Happy is located on land leased from local landowners, providing families with a reliable source of revenue for decades.
Additionally, the solar farm supports Conway Corp’s commitment to providing environmentally-sound services by abating 166,150 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. Conway Solar at Happy is expected to reach completion in 2023.
In the Community
At Conway Solar, we are partnering with several local organizations to foster biodiversity and promote education in the surrounding community. These partnerships include:
- Creating co-located pollinator habitat at the project site with the Arkansas Monarch Conservation Partnership
- Promoting STEM education in the local Riverview School District with donations to the high school computer science, robotics and esports programs as well as the science department, for purchase of advanced equipment like DNA testing kits and anatomy models
Community dialogue – we want to be a good neighbor
We have a dedicated Community Relations team that’s here to answer your questions and ensure that Lightsource bp is an active member in your community. To connect with a Community Relations Manager please email USCommunityRelations@lightsourcebp.com.
Our Responsible Solar approach
Lightsource bp has a deep commitment to delivering safe, clean and affordable energy, as well as maximizing the environmental sustainability and positive social impacts of each of our projects. We call this approach Responsible Solar. We pay attention to every detail, from the fencing we choose to the vegetation we plant. We want Conway Solar farm to be a great project for the local community.
Environment and aesthetics
- Designing setbacks from nearby property lines and public roads.
- Installing an agricultural game style fence, consistent with the local aesthetic of the area, around the project as opposed to industry-standard chain link fencing.
- Planting vegetation under and around the solar panels, with a seed mix customized for the local area in order to increase biodiversity and improve soil health.
Upkeep and decommissioning
- Making sure appropriate drainage and traffic mitigation are provided.
- Budgeting for consistent maintenance and upkeep of the facility.
- Committing to recycling all solar panels: Lightsource bp has a zero landfill policy for solar panels.
- Preparing a full decommissioning plan to ensure that the project will be removed at the end of its life.
Responsible Solar Stories
Find out more about our Responsible Solar approach in action.
Solar farm, safe haven: Monarch butterflies to find crucial habitat at Conway Solar
Arkansas Monarch Conservation Partnership
Information and resources
We’ve put together a collection of resources for anyone who’d like to know more about utility-scale solar energy.
Solar farm FAQs
We’ve put together a list of the most commonly asked questions, and their answers.
Solar energy basics
National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
Lightsource bp educational materials
Solar panel safety and recycling
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