Georgia Power’s New Community Solar Program
Georgia Power has introduced a new community solar program that helps customers support renewable energy without having to install their own solar panels. This initiative allows residential and small business customers to subscribe to clean solar energy from Georgia Power’s facilities across the state. This approach makes solar power more accessible and affordable, aligning with broader trends toward community-based clean energy projects.
Supporting Community Solar Without Installation
This program is ideal for customers who want to support solar energy but can’t—or prefer not to—install panels on their property. By subscribing to a portion of a community solar facility, they receive credits on their Georgia Power bill for the energy produced by their share. This offers a practical solution for renters, homeowners with unsuitable roofs, or those who prefer not to invest in their own solar panel systems.
The Georgia solar program is open to all of Georgia Power’s residential and small business customers. Participants subscribe to a share of a community solar facility, with options ranging from 1 kW to 5 kW. The subscription fee is $24 per kilowatt per month, and in return, customers receive a credit of 4.3 cents per kilowatt-hour for the energy produced by their share.
How Georgia Power Community Solar Works
Georgia Power has already launched two community solar facilities, with more planned. The first facility, located in southwest Georgia, began generating power in 2019, and the second opened in southeast Georgia in 2021. Together, these facilities produce enough solar energy to power hundreds of homes. These projects reflect Georgia Power’s ongoing investment in expanding solar energy infrastructure within the state. For insights into Georgia’s solar manufacturing landscape, see this market insights report.
By subscribing to community solar, customers contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and support the state’s transition to clean energy. Participants can also lock in their energy costs for up to 20 years, protecting them from future rate increases. This price stability is a significant advantage, particularly in the face of fluctuating energy prices.
This program reflects Georgia Power’s broader commitment to renewable energy and its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company plans to add 2,260 megawatts of new solar capacity by 2025, aligning with national and global efforts to mitigate climate change by transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Benefits of the Community Solar Program
The community solar program offers several key benefits. It provides an opportunity to support Georgia Power renewable energy without the upfront costs or maintenance associated with installing solar panels. This approach eliminates the financial barriers and technical complexities that often come with individual solar installations. This structure offers a practical financial benefit, an appealing alternative for those researching Georgia solar incentives but unable to install panels themselves.
Additionally, customers receive a credit on their Georgia Power bill for the energy produced by their share of the community solar facility, providing direct cost savings. For those interested in participating, Georgia Power has made the enrollment process simple. Customers can visit the company’s website to learn more about the program and sign up. There is no long-term commitment required, and participants can cancel their subscription at any time, making it easy for customers to join without being locked into a lengthy contract.
The Future of Community Solar in Georgia
As Georgia Power continues to expand its solar energy capacity, the community solar program is poised to grow. The company’s commitment to renewable energy is reflected in its ambitious goals to add thousands of megawatts of new solar capacity in the coming years. However, the future of programs like these can be impacted by policy changes, such as the recent setbacks for the federal “Solar for All” program, as highlighted in this report. Despite such challenges, private initiatives continue to drive community solar development.
Through its new community solar program, Georgia Power is making it easier for customers to participate in the clean energy movement. By offering an affordable and accessible way to support solar energy, the company is helping create a more sustainable future for Georgia. For more information, visit the Georgia Power website or contact customer service.
