Published

12 months ago

December 24, 2024

Alice Rush

Jeremy Porter can see beauty in many things: cars, go-carts, motorcycles – even solar panels.

As chief executive of the Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) in Dawsonville, Georgia, Porter is turning his speedway into a clean-energy haven, which is promoting renewable energy, recycling, and the transition to electric vehicles.

“Personally, I think solar arrays are beautiful,” he says. “I want to create a facility that is a premier destination for our customers, but also one that is making a difference in the environment.”

The facility recently installed a 402-kilowatt (kW) solar array that will power about 60% of the daily operational electrical needs at the facility – a total of five buildings.

Left: Tracks at the Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) in Dawsonville, Georgia (Photo courtesy of Atlanta Motorsports Park). Right: Solar arrays at the AMP. Photos courtesy of Hannah Solar.

“The ability to generate over half of our energy needs through solar pushes us closer to our vision of making AMP’s campus its own self-sustaining community and resort,” he says. “We are thrilled at our ability to reduce strain on the local grid while achieving a substantial positive environmental impact.”

In Dawson County, AMP is already the largest recycler, including used tires and asphalt. AMP also utilizes recycled guardrails from the highway. That commitment to sustainability is appealing to new residents. AMP boasts some 300 condos, which have attracted plenty of current and future buyers.

AMP echoes a nationwide effort by NASCAR, which is aiming to lower the sport’s carbon footprint to zero by 2035.

Federal Funding Slashed Costs

Porter worked with Georgia-based companies Hannah Solar and Amicalola EMC on the solar project and was able to recoup 50% of its total costs thanks to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America (REAP) grant.

He says AMP hired a grant writer to help them through the process and was “pleasantly surprised” when the facility was awarded a grant.

REAP grants support small businesses and agricultural producers in rural areas, making renewable energy technologies like solar and energy efficiency improvements more accessible and affordable. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, over $2 billion in REAP funding has been allocated through 2031.

Solar Panels Made at Qcells in Georgia

The solar panels at the AMP facility were manufactured at the Qcells’ Dalton, Georgia, factory, which manufactures nearly 30,000 solar panels per day and employs around 500 workers. Qcells is not only a Georgia success story but a national one as well. Qcells has transformed Dalton from once being known as the “carpet capital of the world” to now being the largest producer of American-made solar panels.

“Whenever we can keep it local – we will do that,” says Porter.

The installation can generate 450,300 kWh of solar power annually, which will offset more than 7,000 pounds of CO2 emissions over a 30-year period.

Left to right: Tracks lit up at night at the Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) in Dawsonville, Georgia; Jeremy Porter, chief executive of AMP; electric vehicle chargers at AMP.

AMP is serious about sustainable operations in other ways, too. The facility also has all LED lighting and solar-powered CCTV/Signs. The site also recently added electric vehicle (EV) chargers: 10 Level 3 DC Superchargers; and 8 Level 2 chargers.

“We often host film crews shooting footage of cars in action,” he says. “Our Superchargers mean they can be more productive with those cars. Plus, it gives many of our customers easy access to chargers when they visit the facility.”

Porter sees EV racing as another offering AMP may have in the future.

“I always want to be innovating,” he says. “It’s exciting to create something new, but also do right by the environment.”

Get Involved in the Clean Energy Generation

Examples of clean energy innovation are everywhere, whether it’s a solar-powered speedway, an EV charger at your local coffee shop, or a heat pump in your basement. As the Clean Energy Generation, we’re alive amidst unprecedented climate disruption, but also during a historic push for clean energy – and there’s a role for all of us. To learn more about actions you can take, meet others from across the Southeast, and get inspired by more stories like this one, we invite you to say “I’m in!” and join the movement using the buttons below.

Join the Clean Energy Generation

Take Action With Us

The post Atlanta Motorsports Park Revs Up With Solar Power appeared first on SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

Atlanta Motorsports Park Revs Up With Solar Power

Renewable Energy

Raw Stupidity: Yet One More Reason that Trump Must Go

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Alice Rush

From the Huffington Post:

A senior FBI officer struggled to answer basic questions about antifa, despite characterizing the organization as “the most immediate violent threat” the US faces.

At a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing on Thursday, Michael Glasheen, operations director of the national security branch of the FBI, said he agreed with President Donald Trump that antifa is one of the greatest national security threats to the country.

The answer, of course, is that “Antifa” is a concept, not an organization. It refers to anyone who is against fascism. It has no headquarters, no leaders, and no members.

Now, it is true that people with these views can be violent. When my father led a crew of his fellow anti-fascists, flying a B-17 bomber in World War 2, they completed 29 successful missions, destroying Nazi oil refineries. Were Nazi soldiers killed in the process? I never asked him that, and he probably didn’t know, as they were flying at 29,000 feet, but it seems extremely unlikely that no one died.

In peacetime, we antifa people are non-violent. We may be marching for BLM, or encouraging the use of science in policymaking, or expressing our view that the United States should not have a king.

The FBI must understand this; they must be saying this purely to placate Trump. No one can be that stupid.

Raw Stupidity: Yet One More Reason that Trump Must Go

Renewable Energy

Hydrokinetics Gone Awry

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Alice Rush

When I came across the meme at left, I was instantly reminded of a guy who called me from Baltimore, MD about 15 years ago, anxious for me to hunt up investors in an invention he had created. I was having a hard time understanding the concept he was describing, and so he told me, “Think of it as a river in a box.”

“Ah! Now I get it. You have a box full of standing water. You add energy to it to get it moving, and then our extract energy from the moving water. And you think that you can extract more energy than you put into it.”

“Yes!” he said excitedly.

I calmly told him that this violates the laws of physics, specifically the first and second laws of thermodynamics, but he wasn’t “having it.” I wished him a pleasant good night and asked him to let me know when he had built a working prototype.

I’m still hoping to hear from him again.

Hydrokinetics Gone Awry

Renewable Energy

Benefits of Solar Power Solution in Manufacturing Facilities

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Alice Rush

In today’s dynamic manufacturing world, energy is more than just a utility; it’s the spark that keeps production running. Industrial facilities, powered by massive engines and heavy machinery, often operate 24/7, driving output but also consuming enormous amounts of electricity.

The issues? Soaring energy costs and a growing environmental footprint.

Sometimes it’s like a cycle that often feels impossible to break, but what if your facility could draw energy from a cleaner, more reliable, and cost-effective energy source?

Yes, you heard it right, and that’s where solar power comes in!

As electricity prices continue to rise and corporate sustainability goals become more pressing, manufacturers are rethinking how they power their commercial operations.

Therefore, solar energy is emerging as a game-changing solution, offering reliability, long-term savings, and a sustainable path forward for the Australian manufacturing industry.

In this blog, we’ll explore how manufacturers are successfully implementing solar power, featuring real-world case studies from Cyanergy that highlight both the business advantages and environmental impact.

So, let’s explore how solar energy can help your manufacturing facility reduce costs and enhance efficiency, achieving long-term sustainability.

In this blog post:

Why Solar Energy Is Essential for Modern Manufacturing Facilities?

In Australia, manufacturing facilities typically have large roof or yard footprints, significant and relatively
stable electrical loads, including lighting, motors, HVAC, and other machinery. So, the energy used every day is
enormous.

By harnessing the sun’s energy, factories can significantly cut operating
costs, reduce carbon emissions, and gain greater control over long-term energy stability.

Beyond the environmental benefits, solar power also strengthens a company’s competitive edge and brand reputation in
an increasingly eco-conscious market.

Here we’ve penned down the importance of solar power in the manufacturing industry:

Energy cost mitigation

So, how solar energy reduces manufacturing costs in Australia?

With electricity prices rising and energy market volatility increasing, incorporating solar energy offers a
way to
reduce grid dependency and lower utility costs in the long term.

Ensure Operational Continuity & Resilience

Solar panel systems, when paired
with
battery storage, can help smooth peak energy demand, reduce grid dependence, and improve functioning
time.

Promote Sustainability and Brand Value

In larger industries, many manufacturers are under pressure from customers, regulators, investors, and
internal
stakeholders to reduce
their carbon footprint.

Solar helps them to achieve energy freedom, powering businesses with a sustainable energy source.

Increase Asset value & ROI

Solar systems, when sized appropriately and properly optimised, can deliver payback in a few years and
continue to
provide savings thereafter.

According to Cyanergy’s capability statement, we delivered a 490
kW system that generated 752 MWh for a manufacturing client, with a 37-month payback period.

This shows that industrial-scale solar can deliver real, practical results for manufacturers.

Now, let’s examine solar power solutions for manufacturing facilities, case studies, and best practices to ensure a
clear understanding.

Case Studies from Cyanergy: Real-World Manufacturing Success in Australia!

In this part of the blog, we have selected three examples from Cyanergy to illustrate how manufacturing facilities are utilising solar energy.

These are not generic installations; these are production-oriented businesses taking real steps across different states of Australia.

1. Uniplas Mouldings International – Wetherill Park, NSW

Project Overview

System size: 490 kW solar system installed in staged phases
Investment: AUD $591,823.71.
Annual generation: 752 MWh
Yearly energy costs before solar: approximately $647,000.
After solar: $456K, which is approximately 55% of the previous
Payback period: 37 months

Why it matters

For Uniplas, a large industrial manufacturer, the solar system not only significantly reduces their operating energy
costs, but the payback of just over 3 years means that the return on investment is also attractive for the
business.

The staged approach also allowed them to access multiple subsidies and implement the project rapidly; for example,
the first stage of 200 kW was completed in four weeks.

This clearly shows how manufacturing operations can incorporate
solar without any significant disruption.

2. AC Laser – Thomastown, VIC

Project Overview

System size: 99.45 kW
Annual generation: 141.75 MWh
Annual electricity cost before solar: $79,000.
After solar: $38,160, a reduction of more than 50%
Payback period: 26 months

Why it matters

This is a smaller-scale manufacturing facility compared to Uniplas, yet the results are impressive: a more than 50%
cost reduction and a shorter payback period.

This shows that not only large-scale commercial properties but also mid-sized manufacturing operations can benefit
from solar, not just large ones.

Insights Gained from the Case

Don’t wait until your business is huge, as size is scalable.
The solar system’s size aligned well with the manufacturing load, saving thousands of dollars.
Rapid ROI shows manufacturing facilities can justify solar as a capital investment for their business.

3. Specialised (Cycling-Industry manufacturer) – Port Melbourne, VIC

Project Overview

System size: 39.6 kW
Annual generation: 47.32 MWh
Electricity cost before solar: $26,720; after solar: $17,770
Payback period: 45 months

Why it matters

Although smaller, this project depicts that solar energy is a viable option for manufacturing across various sizes
and sectors, even in facilities with a relatively small carbon footprint.

The case emphasises sustainability as a business value and how solar can support brand positioning as well as cost
savings.

Major Takeaways

Solar supports both cost and branding sustainability
goals.
Even medium-sized systems can provide meaningful savings.
The ROI
generated must be viewed in terms of both financial and reputational benefits for any
business, whether it’s large or small.

Is Now the Right Time for Manufacturers to Transition to Solar Energy?

After knowing the numerous benefits of solar solutions, you may be tempted to go solar. However, transitioning from
traditional energy sources to solar energy comes with a cost.

From government
incentives to long-term cost savings, the financial case for solar energy is compelling.

Still wondering, is it time for businesses to go solar? Here’s why you should act now:

Electricity prices continue to rise in many markets, strengthening the return on investment for solar
energy.
Many governments and utilities offer incentives, favourable tariffs, or rebates
for industrial solar projects.
Day by day, the pressure for sustainability reporting and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is
intensifying. Manufacturing facilities with high energy loads are often subject to inspection.
Technology costs have fallen recently, making solar panels and inverters
more affordable than ever and reducing payback time.
With the right sizing and execution, the solar system becomes a long-term asset that pays for itself,
releasing capital for other manufacturing investments.

Best Practices for Manufacturing Facilities Considering Solar

Solar can be a powerful game-changer for manufacturing companies and large commercial buildings when implemented correctly.

But that doesn’t mean it’s as easy as flipping the switch.

Therefore, before investing in Solar power, ensure you understand every step that leads to real savings and sustainable success for your business.

1. Conduct a detailed energy assessment & align solar to load

Before installation, it is essential to understand your manufacturing facility’s energy usage patterns, including the peak usage limit, daily load curves, and seasonal variations.

The better the match between system size, orientation, and actual usage, the higher the yield and the quicker the payback.

At Cyanergy, we provide a customised design based on site analysis.

2. Use staging or modular deployment

If you have a large manufacturing site, you may benefit from staging the solar solution in phases.

For example, in Uniplas’s case, the installation was divided into three stages. This enables access to multiple subsidies, enhances cash flow, and mitigates the risk of disruption.

3. Optimise your system size & measure consumption rate

Over-sizing or under-sizing can both cause significant loss in a business. Therefore, the design should minimise waste and maximise the use of solar energy on-site.

As in AC Laser’s mid-sized facility, a 99 kW system fits their load and delivers huge savings.

4. Check your rooftop or plant infrastructure

Is your rooftop compatible with solar panel installation?

For manufacturing facilities, factors such as roof strength, shading, orientation, structural constraints, and maintenance access are crucial.

Ensure the facility can support panels, inverters, wiring, and monitoring systems without compromising building aesthetics.

5. Perform regular monitoring & performance tracking

Everything requires a certain amount of care and maintenance to function properly over time. The story is the same for a solar panel system.

Real-time monitoring allows you to spot performance issues, shading effects, degradation, and inverter downtime.

Cyanergy emphasises continuous monitoring post-installation.

6. Research on financial modelling & payback analysis

When going for solar, always calculate realistic payback periods, ensure system cost fits within capital budgets,

You should also check the available incentives, tax benefits, payback time, and how to stack several rebates for maximum savings.

For example, many Cyanergy projects offer a 2–4 year payback, with several solar rebates that can be combined with the VEU Rebate.

7. Align with sustainability and your brand strategy

In manufacturing factories, incorporating solar energy can be a substantial component of a broader sustainability strategy. Why?

Solar reduces your dependency on harmful fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

It positions your brand and promotes your business, demonstrating corporate responsibility and improving stakeholder perception.

8. Maintenance & lifecycle planning

Solar systems require periodic maintenance, inverter replacements, cleaning, and monitoring.

So, manufacturing facilities should incorporate service arrangements into their design. Plan for system longevity, degradation, and eventual replacement or upgrade to ensure optimal performance.

9. Consider adding Battery storage

Even though optional, integrating battery storage or demand management can enhance value by enabling peak shaving, reducing demand charges, and storing excess energy for nighttime use or during grid outages.

10. Engage stakeholders and minimise disruption

In manufacturing, you can’t easily stop production. Plan your solar installation during low-production periods, coordinate with your team, and prioritise safety to minimise downtime.

Final Notes: Ready To Take The Next Step?

For manufacturing facilities, solar power isn’t just about being eco-friendly; it’s a smart business move for Australians. Cyanergy’s case studies showed that even large manufacturers can achieve paybacks of 2–4 years, reduce costs, lower emissions, and enhance brand value.

With proper planning, energy assessment, correct system sizing, phased installation, and active monitoring, solar can deliver lasting benefits.

So, if rising energy bills or sustainability goals are on your radar, it’s time to view solar energy as an innovative manufacturing solution, apart from just a renewable energy source.

Reach out to Cyanergy, conduct an energy audit, and engage a solar specialist with manufacturing experience today. Cyanergy is here to help!