Georgia Power Supports Landmark Kia Solar Canopy Project

Georgia Power is playing a central role in a landmark renewable energy and resiliency project at Kia Georgia’s West Point manufacturing facility, supporting the integration of one of the largest behind‑the‑meter solar canopy systems in the Southeast.

The project—developed by Vehicle Protection Structures (VPS) in partnership with Kia Georgia—features 3.2 million square feet of hail protection canopies topped with solar panels capable of generating up to 10 megawatts of electricity. Georgia Power’s Power Services team served as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) provider for the solar portion of the project, overseeing system design, construction, and safe integration into Kia’s existing electrical infrastructure.

Georgia Power has been in discussions with Kia Georgia for several years about potential on‑site renewable energy solutions. When Kia moved forward following a significant hailstorm in 2023 that damaged more than 13,000 vehicles, Georgia Power was brought in at Kia’s request to implement the solar component alongside VPS’s protective canopy system.

In addition to constructing the system, Georgia Power managed the interconnection of the 10‑megawatt solar array, coordinating closely between its Power Services and Distributed Generation teams to ensure the system operates safely, reliably, and independently of the broader grid. No grid infrastructure upgrades were required, and all solar energy generated by the system will be consumed on‑site by Kia, offsetting approximately 10% of the facility’s annual electricity use. 

“Collaborative projects like this show what’s possible when customers think strategically about energy and bring the right partners together,” said Cheryl Davis, Vice President of Customer Service at Georgia Power. “Our teams work closely with customers to help them meet sustainability goals while also addressing unique operational needs. We’re excited to be part of such an innovative project with Kia Georgia and VPS.”

At peak output, the system will generate roughly 15 million kilowatt‑hours of electricity annually—enough to power approximately 1,500 average U.S. homes each year. By producing energy where it is used, the project helps reduce demand on the grid, supports reliability amid unprecedented load growth, and minimizes the need for new transmission infrastructure.

The solar canopy panels were manufactured by Georgia‑based Qcells, further supporting local supply chains and jobs. Over the project’s expected 25‑ to 30‑year lifespan, the system is projected to pay for itself multiple times through energy savings, even without federal solar tax incentives.

For Georgia Power, the project reflects a broader commitment to working with large industrial customers on behind‑the‑meter renewable solutions that reduce emissions, stabilize long‑term energy costs, and strengthen local communities—while maintaining a reliable and resilient electric system for all customers.