Georgia regulators approved seven utility-scale solar projects totaling 1,137 megawatts, with the facilities expected to begin commercial operation as early as 2029.
The Georgia Public Service Commission authorized the power purchase agreements through Georgia Power’s Clean and Renewable Energy Subscription (CARES) programs, WSB-TV reported. The projects are planned for Appling, Decatur, Jefferson, Sumter, Warren, Emanuel and Irwin counties. Capacities range from 78 megawatts in Appling to 200 megawatts each in Sumter and Irwin.
Georgia Power said Sept. 10 the seven contracts emerged from competitive CARES 2023 and CARES 2025 solicitations. The utility called the 2023 round its largest single solar procurement. Wilson Mallard, director of renewable development, said fixed-price contracts should provide affordable, reliable energy while adding carbon-free generation.
The CARES program allows eligible commercial and industrial customers to subscribe to a proportional share of renewable production for sustainability goals. Georgia Power says demand is growing and recently opened a customer-identified program approved for up to 3,000 additional megawatts.
The approval follows 1,068 megawatts of solar agreements approved in September 2025 for projects in Coffee, Jefferson, Laurens, Mitchell and Wilkinson counties. The Wilkinson project includes 91.5 megawatts of battery storage.
Georgia ranks 10th nationally in installed solar capacity, with 7,786 megawatts capable of powering nearly 923,000 homes, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
The announcement did not identify developers, project costs or individual construction schedules. Although operations may begin in 2029, Georgia Power did not say all seven projects would be online that year or begin service simultaneously.
