Constellation and United Renewable Energy Grow Solar in Swainsboro

Staff Report From Middle Georgia CEO

Wednesday, September 26th, 2018

The Dixon family of Swainsboro, Georgia realized the value of adding sustainable green energy to the community to promote a healthy environment. They chose to take their 26 acres of cultivated fields out of production to become the largest solar site in Swainsboro. The Dixons are able to generate a greater income from the once cultivated land. As is our standard policy, United Renewable Energy LLC utilized as many local laborers and contractors as possible to build the array. Andy Dixon's own fence company, Central Fence, provided and installed the fencing for the project. "URE made the process of constructing the project a pleasant experience," said Andy Dixon.

Thanks to another successful collaboration between Constellation, an Exelon company, and United Renewable Energy LLC, the field now hosts a 3 megawatt AC solar array.

"Solar projects like this one provide much needed added income to landowners. In the farming economy, where diversification is increasingly vital, this project brings a nice return on investment," stated Mike Jolley, Director of Utility Development at URE™. "It was a great pleasure working with Andy and Teresa Dixon, Georgia Power and Constellation to make this project a reality. Together we made an unbeatable team."

"URE and the Dixons made it easy for Constellation to expand its portfolio of investment grade renewable energy projects in the burgeoning Southeast solar markets," said Brendon Quinlivan, Executive Director, Distributed Energy Origination at Constellation. 

URE developed and constructed the project, and Constellation is the long-term owner and operator. The project is operating under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement between Constellation and Georgia Power, bringing long-term consistent financial returns to the landowners. It is part of the nationally recognized Georgia Power Company Advanced Solar Initiative, which has helped to make Georgia a top 10 solar state.