Polk County unveiled its 1-MW solar array this morning at a recognition ceremony in Rockmart, Ga. Representatives from Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inman Solar and the local community were in attendance. The County has recently completed two ground-mounted installations, located in Rockmart and Cedartown, Ga. Each system consists of 3,388 solar panels and together are expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to avoiding the use of 248,366 gallons of gasoline over 20 years.
“It’s a great day in Polk County to celebrate renewable energy alongside our partners at Washington Gas Energy Systems and Inman Solar,” said Steve Miller, mayor of Rockmart. “We are thrilled to be a part of Georgia Power’s Advanced Solar Initiative through our Rockmart and Cedartown solar arrays.”
Washington Gas Energy Systems will own and operate the array under a 20-year power purchasing agreement. Inman Solar designed and installed the system, and Polk County owns the property on which the systems are built. The expected annual output of 3,140,000 kilowatt hours will contribute to the Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiative, which was designed to spur economic growth in the solar community within the state while providing renewable energy to Georgia Power customers.
“As the first medium scale systems completed through the Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiative, it is a great honor to be part of this project and attend this event recognizing the completion of these solar arrays,” said Sanjiv Mahan, vice president of business development for Washington Gas Energy Systems. “These systems not only increase solar energy capacity in the state, they will also generate revenue for Polk County through the lease of previously unused land.”
The solar arrays are located at 852 Marquette Road in Rockmart and 151 N. Park Blvd. in Cedartown, each covering approximately 6 acres of land.
“This project demonstrates the potential for solar to create a win-win for communities through the southeast,” said Steve Chiarello, chief financial officer at Inman Solar. “In addition to creating a reliable source of clean, affordable power in a rural community, this project will support further economic development efforts in the community for more than 20 years.”
— Solar Builder magazine
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