Solar Energy in Georgia

This article first appeared in the Georgia Power Resource Center Newsletter

Solar Energy in Georgia

At Georgia Power, we’re committed to using the best methods of generating electricity, while minimizing the environmental impact. To meet the needs of our 2.4 million customers, we’ve created a diverse energy portfolio that delivers sustainable power and enriches the environment. Energy resources such as wind and solar are constantly renewed and serve an important and growing role in our company’s ability to serve customers. Currently, Georgia Power has more than 2,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable capacity.

Georgia Power is advancing cost-effective solar generation in Georgia and the state is one of the fastest growing solar markets in the nation, made possible through a constructive regulatory and legislative environment. Specifically:

Georgia Power expects to have more than 900 MW of solar online by the end of 2016, the largest voluntary solar portfolio in the nation.
Georgia Power anticipates more than 500 new solar projects will be constructed in Georgia in the coming years as a result of its existing solar programs, including the Large-Scale Solar Initiative and Advanced Solar Initiative (ASI). The ASI allows the company to acquire solar projects through long-term (20-year) contracts.
Last year, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) named Georgia Power the “Investor-Owned Utility of the Year” for building the largest and fastest-growing voluntary renewable energy portfolio in the United States.
Through the Premium Green Energy with Solar program, Georgia Power offers customers the option to purchase Green-e Energy® certified renewable energy with 50 percent solar, for an additional amount. The company uses this to buy solar energy at a premium from customers who install PV-solar systems on their home or business, fostering further solar development within the state.
A solar photovoltaic (PV) demonstration project on the roof of Georgia Power’s corporate headquarters continues to gather data on leading-edge solar technologies.

In a project known as Georgia 3×30, 90 MW of solar generation will be installed at U.S. Army Forts Benning, Gordon and Stewart. The project consists of the development of three 30-MW solar generation facilities at each base. Each may cover more than 200 acres and all are scheduled to be completed and begin delivering power to the state’s electric grid by the end of 2016. Construction on the solar projects at Fort Gordon near Augusta and Fort Stewart near Savannah began last month.

The development of these advanced generation facilities enhance Georgia’s position as a solar leader and strengthens both the bases and the communities in which they operate. The facilities will also help the Army advance 9 percent closer to its commitment to the president of deploying one gigawatt of renewable energy by 2025.

Large-scale renewable projects such as Georgia 3×30 are adding to Georgia Power’s diverse generation portfolio. Through its various solar programs, the company is adding thousands of solar panels to Georgia’s energy landscape. All of the company’s solar resources will have been procured at costs designed to prevent upward pressure on rates and ensure that solar offers the most value for Georgia Power customers.