Clean Energy Columbus (CEC) is the City’s 100% Ohio-based clean energy program, committed to advancing the energy landscape toward a more sustainable future. We’ve been diligently working behind the scenes to expand our reach and continue to support central Ohio’s goals for sustainability.
One of our key projects is the Atlanta Farms Solar Project, which will have a generating capacity of 199.6 megawatts. This solar farm will include essential facilities such as access roads, meteorological stations, electrical collection lines, and inverters. Atlanta Farms is set to launch in fall 2024.
In addition to the positive environmental impact this project will have, Atlanta Farms also provides jobs to over 300 Ohioans, boosting the local and state economy. CEC values helping our community flourish and ensuring Ohioans passionate about renewable energy can get the jobs needed to build new renewable energy systems.
Solar Farms: How They Work
Solar farms, like the Atlanta Farms Solar Project, are large-scale facilities that convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels. These solar panels can be installed on buildings, agricultural land, or other public structures. When used for solar farms, these panels are typically managed by utility companies and connected straight into the electrical grid. This setup allows the electricity generated by the solar farm to be integrated into the grid, allowing participants in the solar farm project to draw power as usual.
PV panels absorb sunlight through their cells, creating electrical charges that generate direct current electricity. Some panels, like those at Atlanta Farms, have tracking systems that follow the sun to maximize energy output.
How Atlanta Farms Benefits You
Atlanta Farms offers numerous advantages to central Ohio, such as:
- Community Access: Atlanta Farms will provide clean energy to local residents without requiring individual solar panel installations, saving the community the hassle and the cost of private solar panels.
- Economic Stimulation: Atlanta Farms will produce enough electricity to power approximately 42,000 Ohio homes, will generate $48 million in local tax revenue over its 30-year lifespan, and create over 300 jobs during construction.
- Grid Resilience: By diversifying energy sources, Atlanta Farms enhances the reliability of the power grid, making the surrounding area’s grid more resistant to power outages and disruptions.
How to Get Involved
Joining Clean Energy Columbus is simple and convenient! You can sign up at any time by using this link, which will take you to AEP Energy to check your eligibility and access the enrollment page. Alternatively, call AEP Energy at 877-726-0214 to verify your eligibility and complete your enrollment. Enroll today and take your first step towards a sustainable future!