Video: Solar Farm Headed to Okolona

[syndicaster id=’5459878′]

OKOLONA, Miss. (WCBI) — A new kind of farm is coming to Chickasaw County, and it may be the crop of the future.

California-based Phoenix Solar announced plans today to build a 30-acre solar energy farm just south of Okolona.

Working with TVA and Okolona Electric, the company will invest $9 million installing 9800 solar panels that will follow the sun from east to west everyday.

The solar site will be capable of generating enough energy to power 300 average-sized homes.

The state has new tax credits to encourage alternative energy production.

Chickasaw County Supervisor Russell Brooks said he is hopeful the solar site lead to future investments.

“This is a great day in the future of Chickasaw County,” Brooks said. “We’re trying to do some diversified economic development, and this is one of the diversified projects we’re bringing to the area. This is the largest solar project in the State of Mississippi, and we’re glad it’s located here in Chickasaw County.”

Three Rivers Planning and Development District Economic Developer Josh West echoed Brooks and said he looked forward to working with more industries down the line.

“We hope to do more of these (projects),” West said. “We’re an agriculture community, and, to me, this is just farming — you’re farming a different product. You’re farming the sun instead of soybeans.”

West said he looked forward to showing future business prospects the completed solar site because it would serve as an indicator change and progress are welcomed in Chickasaw County.

The solar site could be completed by Dec. 15 and operational by Jan. 1. When operating, it’ll be the largest solar farm in the state.