Georgia’s Southwire to Install Southwire solar array at North Campus Plant
Southwire, a leading Georgia-based manufacturer of wire and cable, is advancing its sustainability goals with plans to install a significant solar array at its North Campus Plant in Carrollton. The company has officially signed an agreement with solar project developer Statewide Renewable to bring this new clean energy initiative to life. This move underscores Southwire’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and investing in renewable energy for its operations, a key part of the basics of solar panel manufacturing and deployment.
Southwire’s Southwire solar array Project
This solar project is a cornerstone of Southwire’s broader sustainability strategy. The company has been actively working towards ambitious environmental targets, and this initiative aligns perfectly with other recent efforts, such as installing EV charging stations at its facilities and providing cabling for PortMiami’s shore power system.
The proposed solar array will be situated on a 9-acre property owned by Southwire. To optimize the project’s energy generation, the company has submitted a request to the City of Carrollton for a variance to increase the height of the solar array from the standard 12 feet to 24 feet. A greater height can improve the efficiency and output of the panels by maximizing sun exposure. Navigating these local regulations is a critical step in any major installation, a process detailed in guides on solar plant permitting in Georgia.
While the exact capacity and construction timeline for the solar array have not been disclosed as of late 2024, the project is expected to generate a substantial amount of electricity to power operations at the North Campus Plant, significantly reducing its reliance on the grid.
Economic and Environmental Benefits of the Southwire solar array
The installation of the solar array is poised to deliver numerous economic and environmental benefits to the Carrollton community. Beyond creating construction jobs, the project represents a significant investment in local clean energy infrastructure. A detailed solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown often shows how such investments ripple through a local economy. Environmentally, the array will help Southwire reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions and improving local air quality.
By investing in renewable energy, Southwire is also setting a powerful example for other industrial businesses in the region. This project demonstrates the viability of clean energy for large-scale manufacturing, potentially encouraging other companies to explore similar sustainability initiatives. The project involves a complex solar panel manufacturing process, from sourcing solar panel raw materials to final installation.
A Growing Trend in the Peach State: The Southwire solar array
Southwire’s solar project is part of a much larger movement across Georgia. The state has seen remarkable expansion in renewable energy, as Georgia’s solar industry grows strong in 2025. With a favorable climate and ample sunlight, studies have revealed a massive Georgia solar energy potential that is increasingly being tapped.
This growth is fueled by major investments, such as when Qcells secured a substantial DOE loan for a Georgia solar plant, strengthening the domestic supply chain for components made with sophisticated solar panel manufacturing machines. However, the path forward is not without its complexities, as evidenced by recent utility planning decisions, such as when Georgia Power’s 2025 plan excluded new solar, highlighting ongoing debates about the state’s energy future.
Southwire’s project at the North Campus Plant is a significant and positive step forward. It will help the company make tangible progress on its carbon reduction goals while bringing economic and environmental benefits to the Carrollton community. As Southwire continues to invest in renewable energy, it helps pave the way for a more sustainable future for Georgia and beyond.
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