Entergy breaks ground on first utility-scale solar project

Entergy leadership hosted elected officials, community leaders and other dignitaries today at existing company property in New Orleans East to break ground on the city’s first utility-scale solar project.

The one megawatt pilot project, which is expected to be in service by mid-2016, will be the only utility-scale solar installation in the Entergy system — and one of only a few in the country — to integrate state-of-the-art battery-storage technology.

“This pilot project is of great value to our customers,” said Charles Rice, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “One of the issues with solar panels is availability on cloudy days, at night or generating enough electricity at the right time of day when energy usage peaks. Our pilot project will evaluate the ability to store and deliver solar energy to the electricity grid when customers need it — not just when the sun is shining.”

In addition to providing information for future integrated resource planning, with over 4,000 solar panels the project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 160 average homes, according to industry statistics. That electricity will be fed directly into the distribution grid benefitting all New Orleans customers.

“Just like with our electric transmission system upgrade project, we’re proud to be on the cutting edge of implementing new technology,” said Rice. “New Orleans has come a long way in the 10 years since Hurricane Katrina. The city is booming, is positioned for continued economic growth and development and we are glad to support that.”