Currently, Georgia Power's main sources of green energy are solar and landfill gas, which is a type of biomass. Landfill gas comes from the landfill gas-to-energy generation facilities at DeKalb County's Seminole Landfill and Waste Management's Superior Landfill in Savannah. Solar energy is purchased from Georgia Power customers who have installed solar panels at their residences or businesses.
Biomass
Landfill gas is a form of biomass -- organic material made from plants and animals, such as crops and wood waste. Georgia Power uses methane gas created by the decay of landfill waste as its primary supply of renewable energy for the Green Energy Program. The technology for collecting and using landfill gas is well-developed, making methane one of the most efficient and low-cost sources of renewable energy.
The Green Energy Program may also be supplied from other types of biomass resources, including wood and agricultural products. Biomass is the renewable resource with the highest potential in the Southeast.
To learn more about biomass and other renewable energy sources used at Georgia Power, click here.
Solar Energy
Solar energy is power that is harnessed from the sun. The solar energy Georgia Power uses for the Green Energy Program is generated through photovoltaic (PV) systems that use semiconductor cells, or modules, that convert sunlight directly into electricity. The PV cells are connected in the form of flat panels and arrays of panels that can be mounted on rooftops. The energy generated through the use of PV technology produces zero emissions.
To learn more about the role of solar energy at Georgia Power, click here.
To learn how customers can sell their solar energy back to Georgia Power, click here.
Green-e Energy® is the nation's leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy.
