Tuesday, August 6, 2024
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A remarkable solar farm will be installed at Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP), a prestigious motorsports club in Dawsonville known for its F1-style road course and exciting karting track.
Located in Dawsonville, Ga., Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) is increasing its commitment to sustainability by installing a solar energy system consisting of 747 panels, each generating 480 watts, for a total capacity of 358 kilowatts (kW). The setup will generate enough energy to power around 300 homes. The initiative follows AMP’s recent green efforts, which include 10 Level 3 DC Superchargers, 8 Level 2 EV chargers, all-LED lighting, solar-powered CCTV/signs, on-site water and wastewater treatment and energy-efficient fixtures. , underlines the park’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
The solar installation will provide about 60% of the campus’s daily operational energy needs with clean, renewable energy. Initially, it will be connected to five buildings, including karting facilities and the park’s newly constructed, member-exclusive sky deck.
The solar system is provided by Hanna Solar, an Atlanta-based company known for its expertise in solar installation and maintenance.
In a move to support local businesses, Hanna Solar has opened its Dalton, Ga., location for Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP). Hanwha Q manufactured at the facility. Get solar panels from sales. The solar array also uses SolarEdge inverters and racking hardware provided by IronRidge and Pancl.
This system marks a significant investment in AMP’s journey towards greater self-sustainability. Once operational, the solar array will help reduce the strain on the local power grid by covering more than half of AMP’s energy needs, significantly offsetting its environmental footprint.
Annually, the installation is estimated to generate 450,300 kWh of clean energy, offsetting 7,312 pounds of CO2 emissions over 30 years. According to estimates by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this reduction is equivalent to eliminating more than 16.6 million miles of road vehicle travel or planting 109,600 trees.
AMP CEO Jeremy Porter The ad was positively glowing about it. “The ability to generate more than half of our energy needs through solar moves us closer to our vision of making AMP’s campus its own self-sustaining community and resort. We are thrilled with our ability to reduce the strain on the local grid while achieving a significant positive environmental impact. The CEO of Amicalola EMC shared that this solar development at Atlanta Motorsports Park is the largest solar farm in their power sector.”
With consultant guidance from Hannah Solar, the project received a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant, which covered 50% of the total cost.
Porter highlighted the invaluable expertise and support provided by Hannah Soler during the research, planning, design and installation phases. AMP’s solar power generation will also benefit from Hanna Solar’s ongoing maintenance support, ensuring long-term efficiency and sustainability.
Speaking about the project, Hannah Solar COO Joseph Waybright stated: “Hannah Solar is thrilled to announce our partnership with Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) to implement a state-of-the-art solar energy system. Jeremy and the team at AMP are dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint through solar and other efficiency technologies, demonstrating the effectiveness of renewable energy in an energy-intensive environment like a racetrack.”
Waybright Also highlighted the link between AMP’s solar power upgrade and its commitment to transition to electric vehicles. “They can now proudly offer solar-powered charging at several on-site stations,” promoting a cycle of reduced carbon emissions while harnessing Georgia’s abundant sunshine to support a passionate motorsports community moving into the electric vehicle era.
“Hanna Soler’s team looks forward to a continued partnership with AMP as they push the envelope and transform the perception of the racing industry,” Weybright concluded.
AMP plans to start generating solar power after installation and setup is completed in Q3 2024. The launch of the solar system will coincide with the addition of lighting to the karting course, enabling karting events and races to extend into the evening. With the recent addition of residential circuit villas and condos, along with upgrades to member amenities, AMP is also positioning itself as a weekend retreat or vacation destination for motorsports enthusiasts.
By increasing its energy independence and reducing its environmental impact, the park is making significant strides to ensure that motorsports can be enjoyed sustainably by its members, event participants and daily visitors. This initiative not only honors the rich history of motorsports but also embraces a future that is now brighter than ever.