Georgia Power announced on Apr. 24 its involvement in a major renewable energy project at Kia Georgia’s West Point manufacturing plant, where it supported the installation of one of the largest behind-the-meter solar canopy systems in the Southeast.
The initiative is significant for both renewable energy and industrial resiliency in the region. The new system is designed to help offset approximately 10% of the facility’s annual electricity use, demonstrating a shift toward more sustainable operations for large manufacturers.
Developed by Vehicle Protection Structures (VPS) in partnership with Kia Georgia, the project features canopies covering 3.2 million square feet and topped with solar panels capable of generating up to 10 megawatts of electricity. Georgia Power served as engineering, procurement, and construction provider for the solar portion, overseeing design, construction, and integration into Kia’s electrical infrastructure.
Discussions about onsite renewable solutions between Georgia Power and Kia began several years ago but accelerated after a hailstorm in 2023 damaged over 13,000 vehicles at the facility. At that point, Kia brought in Georgia Power to implement the solar component alongside VPS’s protective canopies. The system was interconnected without requiring grid upgrades; all generated energy will be consumed onsite by Kia.
Cheryl Davis, Vice President of Customer Service at Georgia Power said: “Collaborative projects like this show what’s possible when customers think strategically about energy and bring the right partners together. 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, officials say the array will generate about 15 million kilowatt-hours annually—enough power for roughly 1,500 average U.S. homes each year—and support reliability amid growing regional demand while reducing pressure on transmission infrastructure. The panels were manufactured by Qcells in Georgia; over its expected lifespan of up to three decades, project leaders anticipate substantial cost savings even without federal tax incentives.
Georgia Power described this effort as part of its broader strategy to work with large industrial clients on behind-the-meter renewables that reduce emissions and stabilize long-term costs while supporting local communities.
