Georgia Power to Add 350 MW of Solar

Georgia is set to expand its renewable energy footprint as Georgia Power announces plans to add 350 MW of new solar capacity. This development, approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), marks another significant step in the state’s transition toward a cleaner and more resilient energy grid.

The new capacity will not come from traditional standalone solar farms but will be integrated into two co-located solar-and-storage facilities. This strategic pairing of solar generation with battery storage is a key part of the utility’s forward-thinking approach to modernizing its energy infrastructure.

The Shift to Georgia solar battery storage

The 350 MW initiative underscores a growing industry trend: combining solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This hybrid model addresses one of the main challenges of solar power—its intermittency. By co-locating batteries with solar arrays, Georgia Power can capture and store excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours. This stored energy can then be dispatched to the grid during periods of high demand or when the sun isn’t shining, ensuring a more reliable and consistent power supply.

While details about the specific locations, project timelines, and the exact split between solar and storage capacity for these two new facilities have not yet been released, the plan itself highlights Georgia Power’s commitment to this integrated energy model.

Part of a Larger Energy Storage Strategy

This 350 MW solar-plus-storage plan is a component of a much larger investment in energy storage across the state. The utility is advancing a robust portfolio of BESS projects designed to enhance grid reliability and maximize the value of its renewable assets.

This broader strategy includes several key projects:

• The Wadley BESS Project: Construction recently began on a massive 260 MW / 1 GWh battery facility in Jefferson County. Sited near an existing solar farm, this project is designed to store solar energy and provide four hours of power during peak demand. The project is being handled by Burns & McDonnell and is expected to be completed in 2027.
• Additional BESS Facilities: Georgia Power is also moving forward with four other battery storage facilities in Bibb, Cherokee, Floyd, and Lowndes counties, which will contribute a combined 765 MW of storage capacity.

These initiatives, separate from the new 350 MW solar-plus-storage announcement, demonstrate a comprehensive effort to build a more flexible and efficient grid capable of supporting Georgia’s future energy needs. By strategically deploying battery storage, Georgia Power is paving the way for greater renewable energy integration while ensuring the stability of its service.