Lexicon and Seal Solar on Thursday unveiled the state’s first solar array made with locally produced steel.
The 1.5-megawatt array entails 4,050-panels and is located near Lexicon’s Blytheville plant. The renewable energy project includes more than 550 piers, all built with Arkansas-produced steel. When combined with more than 6,500 modules at Lexicon’s Carlisle property, the Blytheville array will offset an estimated 50 percent of the company’s total electrical costs.
“We are not only focused on ‘Building America,’ we are passionate about building the future,” said Patrick Schueck, president and CEO of Lexicon, in a statement. “This project epitomizes our strong commitment to excellence and our company’s unparalleled ability to deliver iconic projects.”
A combined construction team from Seal Solar and LightWave Solar designed and installed the array which, when combined with Lexicon’s more than 6,500 modules at its Carlisle property, is expected to offset an estimated 50 percent of the company’s total electricity costs.
“We are proud to put our state’s ingenuity at the forefront of the clean energy revolution with this groundbreaking project,” said Heather Nelson, co-founder and president of Seal Solar. “We applaud Lexicon for its forward-thinking and, like us, its dedication to powering Arkansas’ future.” Nelson co-founded the North Little Rock firm in 2012 with Josh Davenport.
Based in Little Rock, Lexicon’s family of companies now includes Custom Metals, Heritage Links, Lexicon Energy Services, Lexicon Industrial Constructors, Prospect Steel and Steel Fabricators of Monroe. Its services include construction management; steel fabrication and erection; mechanical installation and plant maintenance for heavy industrial, commercial and roadway projects; and golf course construction, renovation and management.
U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R) and U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford (R-First District) joined company officials to flip the switch on the project. Boozman said the project demonstrates the benefits “solar energy offers to help Arkansans save money as well as the value that locally produced steel is adding to the region’s economy.” Crawford praised the innovation reflected by Arkansas companies “in staying at the forefront of the 21st century economy.”
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