Published

1 year ago

July 9, 2024

Alice Rush

Now that it’s summer, it’s time to shine a light on solar progress in the Southeast. In SACE’s latest edition of our “Solar in the Southeast” report series, you can read up on which utilities and states can expect to see solar growth. Overall, the Southeast can now claim about 22 gigawatts (GW) of solar (22,183 megawatts, MW) on a full-year operational equivalent basis, or an average solar ratio of 665 watts per customer in 2023. The Southeast is projected to nearly double the amount of solar in the region to almost 44 GW for 2027.We also detail how key policy developments such as recent utility resource plans and the influx of federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to Southeastern states help inform and grow the solar market.

Read the Full Report

How do we track solar progress for different states and utilities?

We can start by looking at the overall amount of solar measured in megawatts (MW) of capacity that are operating or planned in a state or utility. Solar projects can be categorized as either utility-scale solar or distributed solar. Distributed solar is smaller and is typically installed on the rooftops of residential or commercial customers, while utility-scale solar is larger and is installed in ground-mounted arrays owned by a utility or a developer.

Utility-scale solar capacity figures include both projects that have been reported to federal data collectors, as well as the aggregate capacity of future solar resources in a utility’s integrated resource plan (IRP) that have yet to be sited at a specific location. In both cases, the utilities may purchase power from a solar developer to receive the solar project’s output for a 20–30-year period instead of owning it outright, but the capacity itself is still attributed to the utility for that time period.

Distributed solar is interconnected to the utility in a variety of different program stylings, such as net-metered solar, virtual solar, and tariffed solar, which are included in all of our figures.

Altogether, the Southeast is able to claim more than 22 gigawatts (GW) of solar (22,183 MW) as of 2023. In order to compare hundreds of different utilities in the Southeast, SACE ranks utilities on the basis of solar watts per customer (W/C). This illustrates the overall amount of solar power sourced to a utility or state relative to the number of that specific utility’s retail customers. To use 2023 as an example, the Southeast regional average would equate to an average solar ratio of 665 watts per customer for the region’s 33 million customers served by electric utilities. That measurement is for the entire region, and every utility within the region in turn has its own metric that may be higher or lower than the regional number.

The latest figures show solar growth despite some unrealized potential

Overall, the Southeast is projected to nearly double the amount of solar to almost 44 GW over the next four year, rising to 1,350 watts per customer in 2027. In general, utilities across the Southeast have made larger capacity deployments in shorter time frames than ever. As an example, Florida Power & Light deployed approximately a gigawatt of solar capacity in 2023. This is a trend that can only continue to improve with stronger planning processes for utility resources and transmission.

Yet, there is still some unrealized potential in recent utility resource plans and regulatory approvals. For example, Georgia Power ranks above the regional average in watts per customer (W/C) at 1,168 W/C in 2023 despite its latest resource plan, and not because of it. Georgia Power unexpectedly filed an updated IRP in 2023 outside the regular schedule due to unanticipated load growth, but instead of adding any incremental solar in the near-term, it has instead pushed for more fossil gas. Likewise, even though Alabama Power has received approval to build 2,400 MW of additional renewable energy generation by 2029, a prior approval of 400 MW went largely unused for most of its timeframe before being extended, meaning Alabama Power did not end up siting most of the solar that was approved.

There are also some utilities that are currently undergoing resource planning process, or expected to start soon: Duke’s utilities in the Carolinas filed an update to their resource plan in January 2024 that unfortunately does not allow new incremental solar before 2028; and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was set to release its IRP in March, but that has now been delayed to the fall of 2024. However, both of these resource plans would be unlikely to be reflected in the near-term forecast that is the focus of this report.

This year’s report reflects several SunBlockers: utilities whose four-year forecast remains below last year’s regional average. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) unfortunately fell just short of the benchmark needed to avoid making the this year. And despite a promising increase from new solar capacity expected to provide power to the grid, Alabama Power has yet to make it off the SunBlocker list. The North Carolina Electric Cooperatives, Seminole Electric, and PowerSouth are all at the bottom of the list this year.

However, there is hope for utilities that that are on the SunBlocker list. Many provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are aimed at providing certainty to developers and expanding financing options for non-traditional utilities, such as direct pay of the ITC (Investment Tax Credit) and PTC (Production Tax Credit) as well as the New ERA (Empowering Rural America) funding. So utility resource plans and other solar programs offered by states or utilities still have unrealized potential they should consider cashing in on.

In subsequent blogs we we will unpack the utility rankings and watts per customer forecast for major utility systems further. Additionally, we will explore the SunRisers from this year’s report, the utilities exhibiting the highest total increase in W/C solar ratio between the baseline year (2023) and the four-year forecast (2027). Stay tuned for more!

Read the Full Report

The post Solar in the Southeast: Seventh Edition Report appeared first on SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

Solar in the Southeast: Seventh Edition Report

Renewable Energy

Germany and the U.S. — a Key Difference

Published

14 hours ago

October 28, 2025

Alice Rush

As I mentioned in my recent post on Germany, we have a president in the United States who’s doing everything in his power to destroy the entire renewable energy industry, and, thus, is creating a real problem for those concerned about jobs. Currently, there are 569,000 solar in renewable energy generation, and over 3 million in the related industries, e.g., battery storage.

Here’s a question worth asking: What do the Germans have that Americans don’t? Answer: A population of voters that values honesty and sanity.

What they don’t have is a criminal sociopath running their country.

Germany and the U.S. — a Key Difference

Renewable Energy

German Cranks Up the Volume on Renewable Energy

Published

16 hours ago

October 28, 2025

Alice Rush

Germany finds itself in a unique position among the countries of the world, in that it’s gotten rid of both coal and nuclear and now depends quite heavily on renewables. Germany is the world’s third largest economy, behind the United States and China, so there is a huge amount at stake.

These people are extremely sharp, and they’re not known for risk-taking. Yet they’ve made a huge commitment here; renewables (mainly wind and solar) accounted for 59% of Germany’s electricity in 2024, and that figure is headed for 80% by 2030.

Meanwhile, in the United States, we have a president who’s doing everything in his power to destroy the entire renewable energy industry, and, for those concerned about jobs, this is problematic, to say the least. At the end of 2024, more than 3.5 million Americans were employed in clean energy occupations, spanning renewable generation (569,000 jobs), battery and storage, energy efficiency, biofuels, grid modernization and clean vehicles industries. These jobs now represent a significant share of the U.S. workforce—including seven percent of all new jobs added in 2024—and are spread across every state, strengthening local economies.

A quick story: The governor of Iowa, a Republican, was asked by another GOP leader why he didn’t but a spear through the wind industry, as it’s competitive with fossil fuels, which Republicans adore. The reply, “Are you kidding? What you think hundreds of thousands of my voters do for a living?”

German Cranks Up the Volume on Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

2026 Victorian Air Conditioning Rebate: What’s New!

Published

22 hours ago

October 28, 2025

Alice Rush

Agriculture is one of the most energy‑intensive sectors in Australia. From irrigating crops and pumping water to cooling and freezing products, and running machinery, energy plays a vital role in every stage of the agricultural process.

Over decades, this entire farming sector has relied heavily on fossil fuels such as gas, diesel, and grid electricity.

However, this dependency isn’t without a cost. This not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions but also pushes farmers towards rising energy costs and fuel price volatility.

So, how can farmers take back control of their energy use? Are there any smarter and more sustainable ways forward?

Well, to answer that, in many regions of Australia, there has already been a growing push towards improving energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy solutions, such as solar and wind, to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

Technologies like solar-powered pumps, energy-efficient irrigation systems, and on-farm energy storage are becoming more common, helping farmers become more resilient and sustainable.

So, in this article, let’s explore how farms can power cold storage and irrigation efficiently using solar, benefiting the Australian agricultural sector while supporting Australia’s broader energy transition.

In this blog post:

How Solar Power is Transforming Australian Agriculture?

Solar power provides a sustainable, off-grid energy source for both cold storage and irrigation in agriculture, reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing farmer income, and promoting green energy.

So, how can we use solar energy in agriculture? Let’s have a look!

Solar panels generate electricity to power cooling units and irrigation pumps, often with battery storage for uninterrupted operation. This integration creates an integrated cold chain, improving the quality of produce, increasing market access for farmers, and reducing food waste.

Here’s a detailed overview:

Solar-Powered Cold Storage: Keeping Produce Fresh, Sustainably

We all know the significance of having a cold storage in modern agriculture, especially for fruit, vegetables, dairy, and meat products.

The reason is simple! Maintaining the right temperature during post-harvest storage and transportation ensures better food quality, reduces spoilage, and waste. This is very crucial for exporting these to other countries, as proper storage extends shelf life.

However, the problem is that refrigeration systems are also among the most energy-hungry operations on a farm that often runs 24/7.

And that’s where solar power can bring a massive change!

So how does it work?

Solar-powered cold storage works by using solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity directly powers a refrigeration system to cool the storage unit on the farm.

This system allows farmers to meet high energy demands without relying entirely on the grid or costly diesel generators. With the right solar setup with battery storage, farms can maintain uninterrupted cooling while reducing long-term energy expenses.

Solar-Powered Irrigation: Watering Is Smarter Now, Not Harder!

Let’s share a fact! Irrigation can be a real headache for farmers in Australia, especially people living in regions with dry climates and growing water-intensive crops during scorching summers.

Traditionally, pumps and irrigation systems are powered by diesel generators or grid electricity, both of which come with high running costs and carbon footprints.

Solar-powered irrigation offers a cleaner, cost-effective alternative. By installing solar panels to power their water pumps, farmers can significantly reduce their energy bills while ensuring a constant water supply.

This is undoubtedly an excellent solution for off-grid or remote areas where grid access is limited or unreliable.

Benefits of Solar Energy in Agriculture: Clean Energy, Greener Fields

As the demand for sustainable farming practices grows, more agricultural operations are turning to solar power.
Whether it’s running irrigation systems or keeping cold storage units efficient, solar energy is transforming
how farms operate.

So, why are more Australian
farms making the switch to solar?

Here are some key advantages of integrating solar in farming:

1. Solar Lower Operating Costs

Solar energy reduces electricity
bills by providing a free, renewable power source. Over time, this can lead to significant savings,
particularly for energy-intensive tasks such as irrigation and cooling.

2. Provides Reliable Power for Irrigation

Solar-powered irrigation ensures that crops get the water they need, even in remote areas with limited grid access.
This leads to consistent yields and better resource management.

3. Efficient Cold Storage

Solar panels can be an excellent option for powering cold storage units, helping to preserve crops without relying on
expensive or unreliable power grids.

This reduces post-harvest losses, increases market value, and ensures they reach the market in good condition.

4. Ensure Eco-Friendly Farming

Switching to solar reduces your farm’s carbon footprint, promotes cleaner air, and supports a more sustainable future
for agriculture and the planet.

Additionally, it enables smarter water use by pairing automation and sensors to deliver the right amount of water at
the right time.

5. Make Long-Term Investment

With dropping solar costs and available government incentives, installing solar is a smart investment that pays off
over time, both financially and environmentally.

Increased Farmer Income: Farmers can store their produce and sell it at a more suitable
time, leading to higher prices and increased earnings.
Environmental Sustainability: Utilizing solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels,
decreases CO2 emissions, and promotes the adoption of renewable energy sources.

Did you know?
With battery storage now more affordable, solar-powered irrigation systems can keep running, even when the sun
isn’t shining.

This means your crops stay healthy around the clock, rain or shine. So, it’s a win-win for all.

7 Key Strategies: How Australian Farms Can Reduce Energy Costs & Improve Sustainability

Well, putting together everything from above, here is how Australian farms can efficiently use solar in cold storage
& irrigation:

Perform an audit on existing energy usage

Identify the part-load curves of your cold storage, such as when the compressors are most active.
For irrigation purposes, measure pump efficiency, water flow rates, pressure, operational time, and
energy
use, and check other relevant factors, such as inefficient equipment.

Choose right-sizing for solar installations

Match solar PV capacity to daytime loads: cold storage and irrigation demands often overlap with
high solar
availability.
Avoid oversizing to avoid wasted capacity unless the battery or other uses justify it.

Incorporate energy storage

Batteries to store excess solar output for use at night or during cloudy periods.
Perform chilling or freezing more during the day when solar is available, so that less cooling is
needed
overnight.

Upgrade equipment & controls

Better compressors, insulation, doors, and proper maintenance can enhance performance and offer
efficient
refrigeration.
Choose systems with variable speed drives for pumps and compressors.
Smart controllers and sensors can measure soil moisture levels, temperature, humidity, and have
remote
monitoring capabilities.
By automating scheduling, you can ensure that irrigation runs during daylight hours when solar
output is at
its peak.

Go for Hybrid systems & backup planning

Think of the rainy season! In some regions experiencing prolonged cloudy or rainy seasons, solar
energy generation can become significantly reduced as the sun doesn’t rise for a
week.
For reliability, ensure that a backup grid or diesel generator is available, as solar alone may not
meet
demand, especially for critical cold storage loads.

Carry out financial modeling & payback analysis

Estimate the upfront cost of PV panels, inverter, solar
batteries, infrastructure, and installation.
Calculate annual savings from reduced grid electricity or diesel, and reduced maintenance.
Include government rebates, grants, or incentives.
Determine the payback period as well. Many irrigation systems show payback in 3‑5 years, whereas
cold
storage offers 4-7 years or perhaps longer, depending on scale.

Proper Maintenance & regular monitoring

Regular
panel cleaning, maintenance of pumps or compressors is a must if you want to keep
your
system functioning for a long while
Frequent monitoring of system performance can detect any inefficiencies, damages, or losses.
Adjust operations based on solar forecasts, weather conditions, and crop demand to optimize your
yield and
profitability.

Solar ROI: Turning Energy Independence Into Financial Benefits

It is now transparent that investing in solar-powered agricultural equipment offers long-term financial profit.

Although the initial cost may be higher than traditional systems, most farmers recover their investment within 3–5 years.

The fastest savings come from eliminating fuel expenses, where Solar irrigation systems alone can reduce annual energy costs by $2,000 to $3,000. Over time, these savings grow, especially as solar technology becomes more affordable.

Maintenance costs are also lower due to the fewer moving parts and absence of fuel-related issues, resulting in a reduction of up to 60% in maintenance expenses.

With a lifespan of 20–25 years, solar equipment provides long-term cost predictability.

In addition to these, government rebates and incentives on solar energy can cover up to 30% of installation costs, and some systems qualify for accelerated depreciation, which boosts short-term tax savings.

By stabilizing energy expenses and reducing upkeep, solar-powered equipment improves financial planning and supports sustainable farming.

Over its lifetime, it often proves more cost-effective than other conventional alternatives.

Wanna be a part of this solar revolution? In Australia, it’s now high time to make your business grow sustainably.

You can request a free solar quote and get a farm energy audit from us at Cyanergy. We’ll walk you through the setup, help you choose the right system, and ensure it works for your property.