Henderson community leaders hoping solar installation leads to economic growth

HENDERSON, Texas (KLTV) — Community leaders gathered for a ribbon cutting on Tuesday for a SmartFlower garden at the Henderson Innovation Park in an effort to bring businesses to the area.

The solar technology is designed to track the sun’s movements while capturing energy. Five SmartFlowers have been installed in the 300-acre Henderson Innovation Park. The products are powering streetlights and may be used for utilities in the future.

“If we want to be ‘Tomorrow’s Texas,’ which is what we have coined Henderson to be, then we have to think about, ‘What are the different opportunities that we can bring to the table?’” said Bret Gardella, Executive Director of Henderson Texas Economic Development. “We want to demonstrate to the folks that we’re sustainable in what we’re doing. So, the jobs of the future that we’re looking for, most of those companies are wanting something to be sustainable and something they can build a legacy on.”

Gardella feels the SmartFlower garden will lead to increased interest for companies with renewable energy mandates looking to come to East Texas.

The Henderson Innovation Park is the only East Texas park with onsite renewable energy, according to Henderson Texas Economic Development, adding that $10 million has been invested in park amenities.

SmartFlower Solar President Mark Conroy says the City of Henderson has qualities that are attractive for companies.

“Henderson, Texas is a very, very progressive area where they believe in sustainability and trying to build a culture around that,” Conroy said.

“This means that we are innovative,” said City of Henderson Mayor Henry Pace. “It will be something that’s forward thinking for the future generations.”

A Henderson Texas Economic Development spokesperson said they are planning on adding more SmartFlowers as businesses move into the area.

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