Georgia bill would open community solar to private investment

(Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash)

A bill in Georgia aims to improve and expand access to community solar, opening the community solar market to private investment.

Senate Bill 210 / HB 1152 allows solar developers to participate in a community solar program established under the Georgia Public Service Commission. It would open the community solar market to private investment where developers build small solar arrays (6 MW and less) and utility customers of all classes subscribe for a portion of the generation output.

“This is a simple bill that will only allow community solar developers to operate while leaving the rulemaking process up to the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC),” said Georgia Solar Energy Industries Association (GASEIA) President Pete Corbett. “The PSC has done an amazing job with solar; Georgia needs this legislation to authorize further growth of the community solar market and to help meet Georgia’s energy shortage. GASEIA members greatly appreciate Senator Anavitarte and Representative Beth Camp, the other bill sponsors and the entire Georgia General Assembly for their support, input and consideration.”

The bill will also aim to ensure that future business models are cost-effective. A working group will bring electric distribution utilities, consumers, and community solar industry representatives together to engage in discussion. The power would still be supplied and billed by utilties, but subscribers would receive a bill credit.

GO DEEPER: Renewable Properties founder and president Aaron Halimi joined Episode 33 of the Factor This! podcast to discuss the future of community solar in California which, to date, has lagged behind other markets, despite the state’s role as a leader of the energy transition. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

“Solar energy has been an amazing benefit to Georgia and I want to expand the community solar market to benefit ratepayers,” stated Paulding County Republican Senator Jason Anavitarte. “Georgia is top 10 for solar production and there are solar facilities in over 80 counties bringing jobs, economic development and low-cost solar energy to local communities. Solar energy is also the cheapest energy source per kilowatt in Georgia. Senate Bill 210 is about expanding energy choices, driving down rates and improving the energy market for Georgia’s residents and businesses.”