The Clean Energy Generation is making progress every day here in the Southeast. From plug-in solar saving residents hundreds on their utility bills, to electric school buses proving themselves on rural mountainous terrain, to solar power meeting the daytime needs of Disney World, our clean energy future is becoming a reality. Take a look at just six of the many exciting signs of clean energy adoption in the Southeast we’ve seen over the past few months.
Plug-in Solar Panels Bring Big Annual Savings
Small solar panels are generating big annual savings! As utility bills skyrocket, small plug-in solar systems are saving renters and homeowners up to $400 a year on their utility bills. A fraction of the cost of large rooftop solar systems, plug-in solar typically pays for itself in just two to five years. And they can be plugged directly into a standard wall outlet — no contractor required. Read more.
Electric School Buses Take On Mountainous Terrain
“These things really do work.” One rural Tennessee school district is showing that electric school buses work on mountainous terrain. In fall 2022, Putnam County Schools in Tennessee received funding for two electric school buses through the EPA Clean School Bus Program. The new buses have been operating every day since summer 2023, saving the district roughly $650 a month on fuel. Now, the school district wants more. Read more.
American Solar Panel Manufacturer Supports 30,000 Jobs
Powering progress and paychecks. Once completed, First Solar’s new $330 million production plant in South Carolina is expected to increase the company’s annual contribution to the U.S. GDP by 28%. The American manufacturer of solar panels supported almost 30,000 jobs last year, contributing nearly $6 billion to the U.S. economy. The average income per employee was over $101,000, more than twice the national median personal income. Read more.
Green Reentry Pilot Program Offers Second Chances
“There is a place for you in the green economy.” Landing a stable job is often an uphill struggle for those leaving the criminal justice system. That’s why Dream.Org’s Green Reentry Incubator pilot program is pairing job training with support services to help Charlotteans leaving the criminal justice system land good-paying jobs in solar, energy efficiency, EV infrastructure, and green construction. Read more.
Solar Meets Daytime Needs of Disney World
Mickey meets megawatts! Solar power can now meet the daytime needs of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, and other sites. With its latest solar installation, Disney World’s solar arrays now produce the equivalent of powering 19,000 homes for a year or removing 33,000 gas cars from the road. Read more.
Georgia EV Drivers Save $2,000 a Year
Georgia drivers could save more than $2,000 a year by switching to electric vehicles. According to AAA, the average price per gallon of gasoline is $3.79, while the average cost per kilowatt hour of electricity is $0.15 for home charging. And EVs use this energy more efficiently. Gas vehicles lose about 80% of their fuel energy, whereas electric vehicles only lose about 11%. But EV owners aren’t only saving at the pump; they’re also saving at the shop — with EV owners paying about half the price to repair and maintain their vehicles. Read more.
Follow along each week
These stories highlight just a few of the positive things happening in our area! Every day, we see signs of hope. The Clean Energy Generation is creating a future powered by clean energy that leads to clean air and water, good jobs, and vibrant communities.
Would you like to see more stories like this? We’ve got just the thing for you! Every Thursday, we share the latest clean energy news on Instagram with #CleanEnergyNews. Join us as we celebrate the progress and signs of hope in the clean energy transition.
Join the Clean Energy Generation
Together, all of us who are taking action are part of the Clean Energy Generation movement. We’re coming together to create healthier communities and a more secure and sustainable environment, starting now. No matter your age, income, zip code, or abilities, you can play a role. You don’t have to have the answers; learning more is a great way to start. Join us, and we’ll share ideas, resources, tools, and practices to show how we can all be part of the transformation.
