Savannah City Council has approved a $5.75 million expansion of its solar energy contract with Cherry Street Energy. The expansion adds 1.26 megawatts of new solar capacity to 14 city buildings and is expected to save $1.4 million over 25 years, a move that reflects the city’s commitment to renewable energy.
City Council Approves $5.75 Million Solar Energy Contract Expansion
Underscoring its commitment to renewable energy, the Savannah City Council has unanimously approved a significant expansion of its solar energy contract with Cherry Street Energy, an Atlanta-based firm. The $5.75 million modification will add 1.26 megawatts of new solar capacity across 14 city-owned buildings and is projected to save the city an estimated $1.4 million over the next 25 years.
This decision builds on the city’s initial contract with Cherry Street Energy, signed in July 2022. While the original installation was scaled back from 19 to 16 facilities due to feasibility issues, the initial phase has already provided substantial benefits, including over $45,000 in energy savings and workforce training for eight local residents.
New Phase Promises Additional Savings and Clean Energy
The newly approved expansion is set to further the city’s clean energy goals, with each new solar array expected to meet about 37% of its building’s energy needs. Savannah Alderman Nick Palumbo expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the city’s dedication to its “100% Savannah” plan. This ambitious initiative aims for all electricity consumed within the city to come from renewable sources by 2035. The plan acknowledges the challenges in achieving this goal, such as dependency on the utility company’s energy mix. To bridge this gap, the plan includes purchasing renewable energy credits, but their effectiveness has been questioned by some studies.
State-Wide Solar Initiatives to Expand Access
In a parallel effort to promote renewable energy, Capital Good Fund—a nonprofit community development financial institution—has been awarded $156 million in Solar for All funding. These funds will help develop cost-saving solar programs across Georgia, including the expansion of the Georgia BRIGHT initiative. This program aims to make solar power accessible to residents who cannot afford traditional solar programs due to high upfront costs, poor credit, or high-interest rates.
Boosted by a $1 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Solar for All funding, the initiative plans to expand from 200 to 8,000 households in five years. In Savannah, the program’s appeal lies in its lack of upfront costs, guaranteed bill savings, and improved resiliency. Many participants are also opting for additional battery storage to address the region’s vulnerability to severe weather.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has distributed a total of $7 billion in Solar for All competitive grants to various states, tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofits. These grants are designed to expand access to solar energy, especially for low-income communities, and promote workforce development. The funds have the potential to nearly double the number of rooftop solar customers in Georgia, offering significant economic and environmental benefits.
The integration of solar energy into Savannah’s municipal infrastructure, alongside broader statewide efforts, marks a progressive shift toward sustainable energy solutions. The dual benefits of cost savings and environmental responsibility underscore the importance of such initiatives. As Savannah continues to implement its renewable energy strategies, it provides a model that could inspire other regions to adopt similar measures, contributing to a broader movement toward a sustainable future.
