The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) President and CEO Julia Hamm today praised the collaboration between Georgia Power and Atlanta-based Solar Design & Development to develop and install a series of solar projects that will produce 19 megawatts (MW) of solar power throughout the state. Once complete, Georgia Power's first retail utility-scale solar power development will more than double Georgia's solar production.

“The expanding role solar power is playing in Georgia Power’s generation portfolio underscores the utility’s recognition of the critical role of solar in the country’s energy future,” said Hamm. “Innovations and collaborations such as this will continue to drive solar energy’s growth as a sustainable source of electric power.”

The 19 MW of solar capacity, part of Georgia Power’s 50 MW large-scale solar initiative approved last year by the Georgia Public Service Commission, will be added to the company’s growing renewable energy portfolio. Georgia Power has contracted to purchase the output for the next 20 years.

“Georgia Power’s commitment serves as a reminder of the benefits of solar power to energy users and the environment alike,” Hamm said.”

In 2011 alone, more than 62,000 new interconnected photovoltaic systems were integrated by utilities. These new systems resulted in almost 1,500 MW of new utility solar capacity, more than twice as much as was added in 2010, which itself had been a record year.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest generators of electricity, serving 2.4 million customers.

ABOUT SEPA
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. With more than 1,000 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.