The Clean Energy Generation is making progress every day here in the Southeast. From sheep and goats helping maintain solar farms, to solar-powered housing for homeless veterans, to a Florida school district’s all-electric bus fleet, our clean energy future is becoming a reality. Take a look at just six of the many inspiring signs of clean energy adoption in the Southeast we saw over the past few weeks.
Sheep, goats helping to keep Twiggs County solar farm in operation
Solar sheep! A Georgia solar farm, one of the largest east of the Mississippi, is home to over 2,500 sheep and goats. These animals eat the grass growing around the solar panels, keeping the vegetation low without the use of gas-powered lawnmowers or tractors. This “ewe-nique” solar solution saves money, reduces emissions, prevents erosion, and even helps keep the water in the area clean. Read more.
KCDC installs solar panels at upcoming housing community for veterans, Liberty Place
Crews recently lifted solar panels onto the roof of a new Knoxville property that will house a community of veterans at risk of being homeless. Liberty Place, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation’s first housing development specifically meant for homeless veterans, will be partially powered by solar energy once it opens its doors. The property, scheduled to open in late 2024, will include 23 permanent supportive housing units. Read more.
Dixie County schools await federally funded electric bus fleet
“The electric school bus movement has been one of the most positive in terms of transportation electrification advancements.” Florida’s Dixie County School District will be rolling out a new fleet of electric school buses funded by a rebate received through the EPA Clean School Bus Program. Twenty-three new electric school buses will soon completely replace the district’s diesel buses on daily routes, bringing with them a wide range of health and economic benefits. Read more.
US wind and solar on track to overtake coal this year
In a first for wind and solar, the two clean energy resources generated more power than coal through the first seven months of the year. The milestone had been long expected due to a steady stream of coal plant retirements and the rapid growth of solar and wind. In fact, the pair accounted for 16% of U.S. power generation through July, slightly more than coal’s share of the power generation market. Read more.
How a developer hopes to prove sustainable building can be affordable
“We’re trying to prove that attainable is sustainable.” Rob Howard of Howard Building Science is on a mission to build sustainable yet affordable homes for the residents of Granite Falls, North Carolina. Howard’s development company recently introduced 11 new-build homes, built to the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home standards and all priced below $270,000. By meeting the strictest standards in energy efficiency, insulation, and air quality, these Zero Energy Ready Homes are 20% more efficient than typical builds. Read more.
New program offers paid solar infrastructure training in Georgetown
Fourteen students in Georgetown, South Carolina recently spent three weeks learning how to install solar and EV infrastructure. And they got paid to do it. The nonprofit Solar United provides students hands-on experiences with clean energy, with plans to expand to nine other cities across the Palmetto State. Zayvion Dennison, 16, said he joined because he wanted to help Georgetown step into the future. “It’s not really about the money. It’s more about just knowing that this could give back to so many others.” 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.