Georgians Surpass Solar Milestone

May 11, 2009 | 11:15 AM

INMAN SOLAR NOTE:  This article reflects good news and bad news for solar in the state.  It reflects the increased awareness and acceptance of solar by individuals, investors and entrepreneurs.  However, it places the industry in a state of flux.  Inman Solar has addressed this state of flux with a unique value proposition.  Georgia has a long way to go to catch the majority of the country, however we will get there with forward thinking and perseverance.  Ask us about it when you give us a call.

(ATLANTA - June 4, 2009)  The Georgia Solar Energy Association (GSEA) commends Georgians on surpassing the solar electricity cap established by Georgia Power and the Public Service Commission (PSC). On Monday, June 1st, 2009 Georgia Power announced that it had surpassed the 500-kW cap set for the premium it pays generators of solar electricity. Georgia Power was paying 17.74 cents for every kilo-watt hour generated by solar and put back on the grid. Established in August of 2008, the cap was reached in less than one year.

“We are looking forward to a quick and productive conversation with Georgia Power that will enable us to remove the barrier that the cap represents,” said Walter Brown, chairman of the board of GSEA. “We applaud Georgia Power for its leadership efforts in reaching this milestone and commend the more than 4,400 customers who have enrolled in the green energy program. However, it is imperative for Georgia-based solar electric companies that the incentive be re-instated. We are confident that the program will continue to increase in size and scope for the future benefit of Georgia.”

GSEA estimates that there are currently more than 400 solar electric systems installed in Georgia, generating more than 2 million kilo-watt hours and offsetting more than 1,300 tons of CO2 annually, while directly creating over 100 green energy jobs. GSEA, a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), stated that unless quick action is taken, Georgia risks losing the opportunity to create more green energy jobs while effectively leverage the millions of dollars in federal stimulus money, that has been allocated to the State, not to mention the negative message it sends to industry representatives evaluating future manufacturing locations.

“We are certain a solution will be identified in the very near future,” added Michelle Conlon, chair of the GSEA Government Relations & Incentives Working Group. From a public policy perspective, Georgia is behind the curve when it comes to solar support. In fact, 29 states plus the District of Columbia have renewable portfolio standards; and five additional states have developed goals.

Conlon continued, “These states have all taken a pro-active approach in identifying the amount of energy they want solar electricity to contribute. In essence, these states are insulating themselves from future rate increases and doing their part to ensure we are on a path towards more energy independence.”