Rogers, AR – June, 18, 2025— Two community-serving nonprofits in Fort Smith have taken a bold step toward energy independence, sustainability, and deeper community reinvestment—thanks to a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
The Elizabeth McGill Drop-in Center and Antioch for Youth & Family Food Bank recently completed solar energy installations as part of the People Power – Energy Security & Ownership project. Funded by the $360,000 Community Energy Innovation Prize and led by the Arkansas Climate League, the initiative empowers low-income neighborhoods by cutting electricity bills and redirecting savings into programs such as utility bill assistance, weatherization kit distribution, community garden revitalization, and upgraded food storage and refrigeration.
Some data:
Elizabeth McGill Drop-in Center
- System Size: 34.17 kW (102 panels)
- Installation Date: July 2024.
- Annual Offset: 128% of energy use
- Estimated Production: 40,348 kWh
- Estimated 25-Year Savings: $115,806
- Design Challenge: Historic district regulations required solar panels to be installed on the north-facing roof—a less ideal orientation. Despite this, the design team optimized panel layout to ensure maximum efficiency.
- Savings: Utility bill dropped from $676.17 to $55.54.
- Environmental Impact: Equivalent to eliminating 77,705 gallons of gasoline or not burning 760,529 pounds of coal.
Antioch for Youth & Family
- Total System Size: 79.18 kW (223 panels across two phases)
- Installation Dates: Phase 1 on December 2024 and Phase 2 on February 2025.
- Annual Offset: 83% of energy use
- Estimated Production: 104,789 kWh
- Design Challenge: Flat roof with no rain drainage; required foam-based, non-invasive mounting
- Savings: Utility bill reduced from $834.44 to $348.28 ($300 flat utility connection fee)
- Environmental Impact: Equivalent to eliminating 202,573 gallons of gasoline or not burning 1,982,670 pounds of coal.
“Looking at the data, I think it’s now that we amplify our voices and share with this region, not only Fort Smith but everyone, the impact that these programs are having on the agencies we call on to help people. These energy savings move funds from a utility bill to a ‘help-mode.’ These resources go right back into the community. If you can save $2,000, that’s an opportunity to funnel that back into the programs of assistance.” Mayor George McGill of Fort Smith
“These projects are a testament to how solar energy can help reduce energy costs and lessen dependence on rising utility prices. While these installations were made possible through grant funding, the long-term savings and return on investment are real and attainable for nonprofits, homeowners, and commercial buildings alike. We’re currently working with four churches exploring the switch to solar, further demonstrating that clean energy is not only financially viable—it also creates a lasting, positive impact in our communities.” David Stitt, Stitt Solar CEO.
About the Arkansas Climate League
The Arkansas Climate League improves lives. With programming focused primarily in Fort Smith, Arkansas, their team is dedicated to making sure low-income families and neighborhoods are included in the green energy transition. Collaboration and sensitivity to overlapping needs like energy, food and health security are the heart of their work. They show up, listen, build relationships and partner to take action.
Learn more about Stitt Solar at www.stittsolar.com
