Our Middle Georgia ‘Solar Celebration’ sought to celebrate progress Macon-Bibb has seen installing solar systems on facilities around the county. Speakers also shared big opportunities that could make homes and businesses more energy efficient and increase the number of solar panels in Middle Georgia.
Despite torrential rain, an engaged crowd heard from Environment Georgia’s state director, Jennette Gayer, as well as the Rev. Cynthia Knapp, Deputy Mayor Seth Cark, Michele Woodward of Cherry Street Energy, Macon-Bibb Facilities Director Robert Ryals, and GEFA’s State Energy Program Manager Leah Lord.
Some highlights from the presentations include:
By partnering with Cherry Street Energy, Macon-Bibb has:
- 11 solar power systems.
- Generated 2,682 MWh of emission-free electricity
- Offset 1,233 tons of CO2
- Saved Macon-Bibb citizens money from reduced power use
Opportunities highlighted by speakers included:
- Energy Efficient and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG)
- An Inflation Reduction Act program that is being launched by GEFA (Georgia Environmental Finance Authority) that will provide more than $200 million in funding to support rebates for energy efficient appliances and energy efficiency upgrades in Georgia Homes. GEFA is on track to launch the program in late 2024 and expects the program to last for up to four years.
- GEFA’s Mini Grants which will provide funding to communities pursuing small, visible, energy related projects within a wide range of topics.
- A Georgia coalition that included Macon-Bibb Co. recently won $156 million from the U.S. EPA Solar for All program (another IRA funded initiative) to expand Georgia Bright a program that works to deliver solar to those who can’t afford the upfront costs.
- Community Change Grants from the EPA. This grant requires a partnership with ‘community based organizations’ that address climate challenges and reduce pollution while strengthening communities through thoughtful implementation. The deadline for applications is November 21, 2024.
Conversation after presentations identified some great opportunities to take advantage of these resources in Macon moving forward.
More rooftop solar, less red tape
More rooftop solar, less red tape
In many communities, it can take days, weeks or even months to get a straightforward rooftop solar installation approved. It doesn’t need to be this way.
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