Savannah City Council has approved a $5.75 million expansion of its solar energy contract with Cherry Street Energy. This modification will add 1.26 megawatts of new solar capacity to 14 city buildings, expected to save $1.4 million over 25 years; reflecting the city's commitment to renewable energy.
City Council Approves $5.75 Million Solar Energy Contract Expansion
In a move that underscores Savannah's commitment to renewable energy, the Savannah City Council has unanimously approved a significant expansion of its solar energy contract with Cherry Street Energy - an Atlanta-based renewable energy firm. This $5.75 million contract modification will add 1.26 megawatts of new solar capacity across 14 city-owned buildings. This is projected to save the city $1.4 million over the next 25 years.
This decision builds on the city’s initial contract with Cherry Street Energy which was signed in July 2022. The contract aimed to install 1.7 megawatts of solar capacity across 19 municipal facilities for $6.32 million. However, the initial installation was scaled back to 16 facilities due to feasibility issues which includes the ongoing renovations. This resulted in a current capacity of 1.08 megawatts which accounts for about 64% of the originally planned capacity.
Despite this shortfall, the initial phase has already provided substantial benefits: including energy savings of over $45,000 and workforce training for eight local unemployed and underemployed residents.
New Phase Promises Additional Savings and Clean Energy
The newly approved expansion is set to further the city's clean energy goals, with each new solar array expected to meet about 37% of its respective building's energy needs. Savannah Alderman Nick Palumbo expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the city’s dedication to its "100% Savannah" plan.
This ambitious initiative aims for all electricity consumed within the city to come from renewable sources by 2035. However, the plan acknowledges the challenges in achieving this goal; noting the dependency on the utility company's energy mix and the likely continued use of non-renewable electricity until the target year.
To bridge this gap, the plan includes the purchase of renewable energy credits. However, the effectiveness of these credits has been questioned. A recent study in the journal Nature pointed out that a significant portion of committed fossil fuel emission reductions might not lead to actual real-world mitigation.
State-Wide Solar Initiatives to Expand Access
In a parallel effort to promote renewable energy, Capital Good Fund - a nonprofit community development financial institution - has been awarded $156 million in Solar for All funding. This will help develop cost-saving solar programs across Georgia, including the expansion of their Georgia BRIGHT initiative. Georgia BRIGHT aims to make solar power accessible to residents who may not afford traditional solar programs due to high upfront costs, poor credit, or high-interest rates.
Boosted by a $1 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Solar for All funding, the initiative plans to expand from 200 to 8,000 households in five years. In Savannah, the program's appeal lies in no upfront costs, bill savings, and improved resiliency. Many participants are opting for additional battery storage to address the region’s vulnerability to severe weather and climate change impacts.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has distributed a total of $7 billion in Solar for all competitive grants to various states, tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofits. These grants are designed to expand access to solar energy (especially for low-income communities) and promote workforce development in the solar industry. The funds have the potential to nearly double the number of rooftop solar customers in Georgia; offering significant economic and environmental benefits.
The integration of solar energy into Savannah's municipal infrastructure and the broader state-wide efforts signify a progressive shift towards sustainable energy solutions. The dual benefits of cost savings and environmental responsibility underscore the importance of such initiatives. As the city continues to implement its renewable energy strategies, the hope is that other regions will be inspired to adopt similar measures, contributing to a larger movement towards a sustainable future.