Southwire is expanding its solar energy capabilities by adding two new solar arrays at its facilities in Villa Rica and Albany, Georgia, which will be completed by 2025. This expansion, part of the company’s broader modernization efforts, aims to significantly increase its reliance on renewable energy.
New Georgia solar array at Villa Rica and Albany
Southwire is set to enhance its solar energy capabilities with the addition of two new solar arrays at its Villa Rica and Albany facilities in Georgia. This expansion is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy, following the successful installation of a 4.8-megawatt (MW) array at its headquarters in Carrollton, Georgia in 2022. The new solar arrays are expected to be completed by 2025.
The company’s expansion into solar energy began with the installation of its first solar array at the Carrollton campus. This initial array comprises over 11,000 solar panels covering 15 acres, providing a solid foundation in understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing and large-scale energy generation. The project was developed in partnership with Green Power EMC and Walton EMC, as part of the Georgia Power Customer Renewable Supply Procurement (CRSP) program.
The new solar arrays in Villa Rica and Albany will be developed in collaboration with Cherry Street Energy, a leading provider of solar energy solutions. They will feature over 7,000 panels, generating a total of 3.3 megawatts (MW) of energy. Once operational, these arrays will supply power directly to Southwire’s manufacturing operations at both locations, integrating clean energy right into the solar panel manufacturing process.
Commitment to Renewable Energy with Georgia solar array
The addition of the Villa Rica and Albany solar arrays is a significant step for Southwire in its journey toward sustainability. The company aims to achieve 100% carbon-neutral energy for its operations by 2025 and has set a goal for 50% of its energy to come from renewable sources by the same year. These new solar arrays are expected to play a crucial role in helping the company reach these targets.
“At Southwire, we continue to make significant progress on our carbon neutral and renewable energy goals, and we are excited to take this next step in our solar journey,” said Brandon Moss, Southwire’s president of tools, components, and assembled solutions and leader of the company’s renewable energy team. “These two new solar arrays will help us achieve 50% of our energy from renewable sources by 2025 and move us closer to our goal of 100% carbon neutral energy for all of our operations by that same year.”
Southwire’s Broader Sustainability Efforts with Georgia solar array
In addition to its solar energy initiatives, Southwire has been actively working to reduce its overall carbon footprint. The company has invested in energy efficiency upgrades across its facilities, including LED lighting retrofits, HVAC system upgrades, and the implementation of energy management systems. Such investments require a clear understanding of the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown to ensure financial viability alongside environmental benefits.
Furthermore, Southwire is exploring other renewable energy sources, such as wind and geothermal, to diversify its energy portfolio. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates a comprehensive strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, considering everything from energy generation to the solar panel raw materials that make these technologies possible.
Southwire’s investment in solar energy aligns with global trends as companies increasingly shift towards renewable energy sources to meet sustainability goals. The expansion of solar arrays at the Villa Rica and Albany facilities is a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward sustainability, and it serves as a model for other businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact.
Future of Georgia solar array Energy at Southwire
The addition of the Villa Rica and Albany solar arrays is expected to be just the beginning of Southwire’s solar journey. The company is already exploring opportunities for additional solar projects at other facilities across the United States.
“Solar energy is a key part of our strategy to achieve our renewable energy and carbon neutral goals,” said Moss. “We will continue to explore opportunities to expand our solar portfolio and further reduce our environmental impact.”
By 2025, Southwire expects to have a total of over 18,000 solar panels installed across its facilities, generating a combined total of 7.9 megawatts (MW) of energy. This massive undertaking relies on sophisticated solar panel manufacturing machines and a robust supply chain. This will make Southwire one of the largest corporate users of solar energy in the United States.
Southwire’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its continued investment in renewable energy. The addition of the Villa Rica and Albany solar arrays is a significant step for the company towards achieving its carbon-neutral goals and reducing its environmental impact.
Southwire’s initiative is a powerful example of corporate responsibility in action. For those interested in understanding the technology behind such large-scale projects, from conception to installation, our free e-course provides a deep dive into the world of solar energy.
