9/27/15—The spread of solar energy in the sunny south is inevitable, but just how much our communities benefit, in the form of jobs and clean energy, will depend on policy makers, utilities, and citizens working together toward a solar-powered Southeast.

Source: Growth in solar will fuel jobs in the sunny south | Southern Environmental Law Center

8/18/15 | Atlanta—Through its easy-to-use online platform, Solar CrowdSource gives users access to more affordable alternative energy with three unique solar energy programs. Specializing in providing solar crowdsourcing opportunities for local governments, utilities, communities and individuals alike, the first comprehensive solar platform of its kind in the U.S. brings together Community Solar, Solarize and Crowdfunding programs in one place for Georgians to go in on the cost of solar together. The results are lower electric bills, greener communities and smart investments.

Demand for solar energy is at an all-time high, but not everyone is able to reap the benefits, whether because of the cost of installation, inability to take advantage of tax incentives or an ineligible property for solar panels. What’s more, investors or developers who would like to make this socially responsible, green investment need expert support to navigate the complex process.

Source: Solar CrowdSource Launches First Solar Energy Program of Its Kind — ATLANTA, Aug. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ —

7/2/15—Putting solar panels on your rooftop just became way more affordable: Customers can now pay for just the power they get from the solar panels.A new law took effect Wednesday that allows financing for residents who want to lease rooftop solar panels.

Source: Ga. Residents Can Now Get Financing For Rooftop Solar Panels | WABE 90.1 FM

6/30/15—ATLANTA (AP) – The largest Southern Co. subsidiary will start selling and installing solar panels on homes Wednesday, a move that could broaden the alternative energy market and also worry the utility’s competitors.

The decision is perhaps as symbolic as it is financial. Southern Co. is one of the largest U.S. utilities, burns significant fossil fuels and is led by a CEO who once dismissed the importance of small-scale solar energy.

Company officials now see distributed solar power as a threat to its traditional business model, and a new state law taking effect Wednesday allows Georgia residents to lease solar panels from firms other than electric monopolies. The Republican politicians who regulate Georgia’s power market have successfully pressured Georgia Power to add more solar energy to its mix.

Source: Largest Southern Co. subsidiary enters rooftop solar market – Story | WAGA

6/30/15—Solar is an abundant resource in the Southeast, though in many places it is an underutilized one. Third-party ownership may be key to accelerating solar deployment in a region where many states prefer markets to mandates.

Source: In The Southeast, Could Third-Party Ownership of Solar Power Be Taking Root?

6/11/15—Georgia Power, the state’s dominant electricity provider and a subsidiary of national utility powerhouse Southern Co., is readying plans for a rooftop solar business to be added to the utility scale development it already does.

Source: Inside Georgia Power’s move into the residential solar market | Utility Dive

From Augusta’s Fort Gordon to beach homes on Tybee, solar energy is booming in Georgia. In Chatham County, the Solarize program has flipped the switch on panels at four homes over the past few weeks and counts three more under construction. It has contracts on 35 installations in all, and allows home and business owners to take advantage of bulk purchases to drive down the cost.

Source: Solar energy heats up in Georgia

When the Rev. George Bennett receives his next power bill, it could be about 90 percent lighter thanks to the installation of solar panels on his home, a decision he said was practical as well as spiritual.

Source: Valdosta homeowner turns to solar power system | Local News | valdostadailytimes.com

3/27/15—The Georgia State Senate unanimously passed legislation today that would allow for third-party ownership of rooftop solar power in the state.The bill, which passed the Georgia House of Representatives unanimously on February 9, now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Nathan Deal. Experts tracking the legislation said the governor is expected to sign the bill into law, which could happen as soon as today.National solar installers like SolarCity, SunPower, SunEdison and Vivint are likely to benefit from the legislation, which would allow residential customers to lease rooftop solar installations and sell the excess power they generate.

Source: Georgia Legislature Unanimously Approves Third-Party-Owned Rooftop Solar | Greentech Media

3/25/15—Georgia’s solar energy future looks bright as the state’s clean energy sector attracts record-setting private investment and creates jobs.

Source: The rise of Georgia solar | Atlanta Forward Blog