Opal Solar

Project introduction

 The project can power over 83,000 homes or fuel manufacturing and other large-scale employers. With robust business roots and an eye to the future, Opal Solar helps maintain Union County’s competitive edge for attracting new investments and supporting economic momentum.

The area’s pro-business mindset is reflected in every aspect of Opal Solar. Long-term economic benefits, local jobs, and reliable power underpin Union County’s ongoing development. RWE’s investment creates new opportunities for residents and strengthens Union County’s position as a prime destination for businesses seeking dependable clean energy, keeping more economic value in the community and ensuring stability for decades to come.

Status: In development

Site location

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Facts & figures

00 MW

solar generating capacity serving the Arkansas grid

00 Homes

powered annually by clean domestic electricity

00 Jobs

created directly and indirectly during local construction

$ 00 Million

in property taxes over the project’s lifetime

2026 - 00 Timeline

from start of construction to commercial operation

Project Benefits

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Local Job Creation and Workforce Growth

Opal Solar jumpstarts job opportunities across Union County. Over 320 jobs are created locally during construction—including electricians, equipment operators, and support roles—giving residents steady work and valuable skills. RWE partners with nearby contractors and businesses, deepening the impact across the region. By training and hiring from local communities first, Opal Solar strengthens the workforce for today’s energy needs and paves the way for careers in advanced energy sectors.

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Local Job Creation and Workforce Growth
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Long-Term Economic Investment

Union County’s reputation for economic growth is matched by the stability Opal Solar brings. With an estimated $101 million in property tax contributions over the project’s life, the county can direct resources to infrastructure, emergency services, and critical public works. This revenue bolsters municipal finances and offers predictability for officials planning future investment—without raising taxes on local residents or existing businesses.

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Long-Term Economic Investment
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Grid Reliability and Energy Security

Businesses in Union County depend on resilient and affordable power. Opal Solar increases the reliability of the local electric grid, ensuring manufacturers, data centers, and households can count on steady electricity. This enhances grid stability during high demand events and helps protect the area from sudden price volatility in traditional energy markets. Locally generated, American-made power lets Union County build for the future.

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Grid Reliability and Energy Security

Stronger Electric Grid

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Reliable Power for Growing Business and Community Needs

Reliable, affordable energy is essential for a business-friendly region—and for the thousands of residents who call Union County home. Opal Solar strengthens Arkansas’s electric grid by adding significant local generation capacity. This reduces the risk of outages when energy demand spikes with industrial use, economic growth, or summer weather.

With solar panels monitored around the clock and responsive operations teams on the ground, Opal Solar supports consistent power delivery to major employers, small businesses, and homeowners alike. By keeping more energy production close to home, Union County decreases its dependence on imported power and supports stable energy prices for everyone. In a region committed to economic advancement, that grid strength means businesses and families can plan and grow with confidence.

A Lasting Source of Strength for Union County

Located at the intersection of history and opportunity, Opal Solar brings decades of economic value to Union County and the Arkansas business corridor. Steady, predictable tax revenue supports infrastructure upgrades and high-quality emergency services, helping lay the groundwork for future growth. Companies considering expansion or relocation see Union County as a forward-looking partner, offering both reliable power and a welcoming business climate.

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The project reflects the area’s drive to lead in American energy. Hundreds of construction jobs go to local workers, and investments stay in the community, reinforcing Union County’s tradition of supporting hard work and innovation. Over the next 25 to 30 years, Opal Solar will stand as proof of how homegrown clean energy, combined with local ambition, can help transform a region’s economic landscape and improve quality of life for all who live and work here.

RWE’s commitment to Union County centers on local hiring and strong business partnerships. Area contractors and suppliers are prioritized during all stages, ensuring the economic impact circulates within the community. RWE also makes targeted contributions, including $5,000 supporting local charitable initiatives. Collaboration with county officials ensures Opal Solar’s construction and operation align with Union County’s goals for business growth, infrastructure, and community well-being.

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