Black Bear solar

The Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) and Lightsource bp are partnering to bring affordable, local, sustainable electricity to AMEA’s 11 Member municipal utilities across Alabama, which serve some 350,000 customers.

The 130 megawatt-dc Black Bear solar project, one of the largest in Alabama, will deliver solar energy to AMEA under a long-term power purchase agreement, providing enough electricity to power 20,000 homes.

The solar energy will have a fixed price for 20 years, acting as a hedge against price volatility in the natural gas market. It is enabling AMEA to build more stability and diversity in its energy portfolio, while saving a minimum of $40 million over 20 years.

The project consists of more than 280,000 solar panels installed in Montgomery County, situated 15 miles from AMEA’s headquarters. More than 400 people worked to construct the facility, the majority local workers.

The Montgomery County Commission and Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce were valuable partners to both AMEA and Lightsource bp, helping bring this project to realization through their efforts to foster innovative projects that drive economic development and local tax revenue. In addition to providing jobs, clean energy and bill savings to AMEA’s Members and their customers, the project will contribute over $7 million in property tax revenue to county schools over the project life.

Both AMEA and Lightsource bp are incredibly proud of this solar project, and the opportunities it will offer both organizations and the local communities.