Conway Solar at Happy | 135MW in Arkansas
Affordable, locally-generated 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
$154 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
Ownership transfer to JERA Nex
About the Conway Solar at Happy project
The 135-megawatt Conway Solar at Happy project is in full commercial operation in White County, Arkansas. Lightsource bp developed, financed, constructed and will continue to provide asset management and O&M services for the project, a private capital investment in new energy infrastructure for Arkansas’s energy security and independence. In mid-2024, JERA Nex assumed ownership of the facility.
The solar farm is delivering home-grown energy to Conway Corp under a power purchase agreement. Conway Solar is projected to generate enough clean energy to power 21,000 homes, while creating tangible benefits for the local community and environment.
Conway Solar news & updates
Conway Corp and Lightsource bp announce new solar project
Lightsource bp closes financing on 135MW Conway Solar project in Arkansas
Lightsource bp closes first tax equity deal with Wells Fargo for 481MW solar portfolio
Conway Solar at Happy enters commercial operation
JERA Nex expands presence in US with 395MW solar farms acquisition from Lightsource bp
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
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 are intentional with 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 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
Community dialogue – Get in touch
Lightsource bp is dedicated to supporting communities that are home to our solar projects across America. We have a Community Relations team that works closely with our neighbors to maximize the positive social impacts of our projects.
If you’d like to find out more about this project, email USCommunityRelations@lightsourcebp.com.
If you are a member of the media, please visit our Press Center.
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