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Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) in Dawsonville, Georgia, is enhancing its sustainability efforts with the installation of a 358kW solar array. This investment aligns with AMP’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, following recent additions such as EV chargers and efficient lighting solutions.
Key Highlights:
- 747 solar panels generating 480 watts each
- 60% of AMP’s daily operational energy needs met
- Installation by Hannah Solar, using locally manufactured panels
- Expected annual generation of 450,300 kWh of clean energy
- CO2 offset equivalent to 16.6 million miles of road vehicle travel
Located in Dawsonville, Ga., the AMP campus is adding solar power through an array of 747 panels, generating 480 watts per panel, for a total of 358 kilowatts (kW). This investment follows AMP’s attack on sustainability with the recent addition of EV chargers: 10 Level 3 DC Superchargers, and 8 Level 2 chargers. Coupled with all LED lighting, solar-powered CCTV/Signs, on-site water/wastewater treatment, and efficient fixtures, AMP demonstrates a strong commitment to making a positive environmental impact.
In AMP’s case, the solar installation will power about 60% of the campus’s daily operational needs with clean, renewable energy. It will be connected to five buildings initially, including the karting facilities and the park’s newly constructed, member-exclusive Sky Deck.
See also: Atlanta Motorsports Park Pioneers EV Fast Charging in US Racing Scene
The solar energy configuration is supplied by Hannah Solar, an Atlanta-based firm known for quality workmanship. Supporting local businesses, Hannah Solar acquired panels for AMP manufactured locally by Hanwha Q. Cells at their Dalton, Ga. fabrication plant. The array also uses SolarEdge inverters and racking hardware by Ironridge and Panelclaw.
This investment significantly furthers AMP’s self-sustaining capabilities. Once the array is operational, the campus will reduce strain on the local power grid while offsetting over half of AMP’s operational energy needs. Annually, the installation is capable of generating 450,300 kWh of clean energy, offsetting 7,312 pounds of CO2 emissions over a 30-year period, equivalent to eliminating over 16.6 million miles of road vehicle travel or planting 109,600 trees.
AMP CEO Jeremy Porter was enthusiastic about the announcement: “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. We are thrilled at our ability to reduce strain on the local grid while achieving a substantial positive environmental impact. The CEO of Amicalola EMC shared that this solar development at Atlanta Motorsports Park is the largest solar farm in his power region.”
With the help of consultants at Hannah Solar, the project recouped 50% of its total costs using a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems, or REAP, Grant. Porter emphasized the invaluable expertise and assistance provided by Hannah Solar during the research, planning, design, and installation phases. AMP’s solar energy production will also benefit from Hannah Solar’s long-term maintenance support.
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 cutting-edge 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 such as a racetrack.”
Waybright also noted the connection between AMP’s solar energy upgrade and its embrace of the transition to Electric Vehicles. “They can now boast solar-powered charging through several stations located on site,” creating cyclical benefits for reducing carbon emissions while relying on Georgia’s plentiful sunlight to keep the passionate motorsports community thriving well into the electric vehicle era.
“The team at Hannah Solar is looking forward to a continued partnership with AMP as they push the envelope and transform the perception of the racing industry,” Waybright concluded.
AMP plans on having solar energy generation commence once installation and setup is completed in Q3 2024. This startup will coincide with the addition of karting course lighting, allowing karting events and races to continue well into the night. With the addition of residential CirCuit Villas and Condos at the park in recent years, along with upgrades to member amenities, AMP can also serve as a weekend retreat or vacation destination for passionate motorsports enthusiasts.
By improving its energy independence and environmental impact, AMP ensures motorsports can be enjoyed sustainably by its members, event participants, and daily visitors. This approach honors the past of motorsports history and looks forward to a brighter, sustainable future.
About Atlanta Motorsports Park
Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) is the first green, sustainable motorsports country club for high-performance cars, motorcycles, and karts. It offers private track rentals, corporate group options, and the world’s most unique kart track. AMP’s mission is to make motorsports accessible in an environment that provides unmatched hospitality, world-class amenities, and two of the most technically challenging race circuits in the USA.
About Hannah Solar
Founded in 2008, Hannah Solar provides reliable and affordable energy solutions to businesses across the southeastern U.S. As a full-service provider, Hannah Solar manages every aspect of the solar energy process—from procuring top-quality materials to final installation and ongoing maintenance. The company also enhances energy efficiency through battery storage systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and more.
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