City of Hot Springs going 100-percent solar

The city of Hot Springs is switching to 100-percent solar energy.

City leaders said this will save the city millions of dollars.

"We're the natural state, and there’s nothing more natural than solar power," said Bill Burrough, Hot Springs City Manager.

Solar energy will soon power all city operations--from City Hall to the Fire Department.

"It's a very ambitious project, so far it's the largest Arkansas city to go 100 percent solar energy," said Bill Halter, CEO of Scenic Hill Solar.

Hot Springs is partnering with Scenic Hill Solar. They'll build solar power plants across 80 acres of land in the city, with more than 30,000 modules. Some will likely go on city-owned land next to Kimery Park.

Burrough said this will save the city an estimated $30 million over the next 30 years.

"We're always looking for initiatives to become greener, to take care of our environment, and look at opportunities to lower costs,” he said.

Scenic Hill Solar will be building and operating on city land at no cost to the city. The City will then purchase power from the plant.

Leaders said the solar plants should be completed within a year.