This Georgia speedway generates over half its energy needs through solar, powered by panels manufactured in state at Qcells.

Randy Wheeless | October 21, 2024

| Clean Energy Generation, Georgia, Solar

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. 

“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. 

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.” 

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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.

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