Southern Power acquires two solar PV projects in Georgia, US

Southern Power has acquired two solar photovoltaic (PV) projects from Tradewind Energy in Georgia, US.

The two facilities which have been purchased are the 80MW Decatur Parkway project and the 19MW Decatur County project.

Both the facilities will be equipped with single-axis tracking technology which will help in directing the solar panels to track the sun.

Construction works for the 80MW project is likely to start this month, the power generated from which will be supplied to Georgia Power according to a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA).

A 20 year PPA has been signed for the 19MW project in Decatur County. While the power from the facility will be supplied to Georgia Power, Southern Power will retain the RECs for both the facilities to have control over their sale to third parties.

Development works for the Decatur County project has been scheduled to start from June 2015.

Both the facilities are expected to generate power commercially by end of the year.

Southern Company chairman, president and CEO Thomas Fanning said: "Southern Power’s strategic investment in the Decatur solar projects will help meet Georgia’s growing energy needs.

"These projects and others are enhancing Georgia’s position as a national leader in renewable energy."

Both Southern Power and Georgia Power are subsidiaries of American electric utility holding firm Southern Company.