Solar industry insiders pitched the benefits of establishing a community solar program to a Georgia House committee, advocating for Georgia Power customers to purchase electricity from small-scale solar developers. Despite failed legislation earlier this year, experts emphasized the economic and environmental advantages of expanding solar power use in the state. Georgia ranks among the top 10 states for utility-scale projects but lags in smaller distributed generation projects.
The Georgia Solar Energy Industries Association praised the Public Service Commission for approving solar projects and encouraged the expansion of solar energy capacity. Clean energy groups criticized the PSC for not forcing Georgia Power to make a greater commitment to renewable energy. Summit Ridge Energy’s government affairs director highlighted the company’s success in other states and the potential cost savings for customers through community solar programs.
Lawmakers questioned industry officials on the customer-based market, bill credit incentives, and potential cost shifting to ratepayers not participating in community solar. Solar industry representatives expressed confidence in the market, citing waiting lists of potential customers and the ability to save customers about 10% on utility bills. They emphasized the use of third-party owned capital and the need for attractive bill credits from the PSC to make investments financially viable.
With leading solar manufacturing companies making significant investments in the state, the push for community solar programs in Georgia aims to not only provide clean energy solutions but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The industry remains hopeful that lawmakers will consider the benefits of community solar when drafting future legislation.
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