Media Coverage
September 19, 2024
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Could ‘community solar’ boost renewable energy in Georgia and lower bills?
New market opportunities coupled with federal tax breaks and grants have led to a boom in community solar. Community solar is seeing 8% average annual growth and a cumulative capacity projected to reach 14 gigawatts nationwide by 2028, said a report by Wood Mackenzie. That’s about the same capacity as Georgia Power’s entire portfolio right now.
Some of that community solar growth elsewhere is fueling Georgia’s own renewable energy manufacturing sector.
Virginia-based Summit Ridge Energy recently placed a huge order for 2 gigawatts of solar equipment from Qcells, a Georgia manufacturer, to be used in community solar projects in more than 20 states. The company declined to share the dollar value of the deal, but said it represented a significant investment.
“The main reason why the solar panels that we have purchased ... are not staying in Georgia is that Georgia does not have a third-party community solar program,” said Leslie Elder, Summit Ridge’s vice president of policy and regulatory affairs.
Dimension Renewable Energy, which has headquarters in Atlanta, plans to spend $3 billion on community solar over the next five years — none of it in Georgia, despite the clean energy manufacturing boom in the state.
“It seems like a missed opportunity,” said Brandon Smithwood, Dimension’s vice president of policy.
