Tuesday, August 6, 2024 A substantial solar farm is set to be established 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 enhancing its commitment to sustainability by installing a solar power system consisting of 747 panels, each generating 480 watts, for a total capacity of 358 kilowatts (kW).
This setup will produce enough energy to power nearly 300 homes. This initiative follows AMP’s recent green efforts, which include the addition of 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, underscoring 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 power.
Initially, it will be connected to five buildings, including the karting facilities and the park’s newly constructed, member-exclusive Sky Deck. The solar system is supplied by Hannah Solar, an Atlanta-based company known for its expertise in solar installation and maintenance. In a move to support local businesses, Hannah Solar sourced the solar panels for Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) from Hanwha Q.
Cells, manufactured at their Dalton, Ga. facility. The solar array also utilizes SolarEdge inverters and racking hardware provided by Ironridge and Panelclaw.
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 while covering over half of AMP’s energy needs, significantly offsetting its environmental footprint. Annually, the installation is projected to generate 450,300 kWh of clean energy, offsetting 7,312 pounds of CO2 emissions over 30 years.
According to estimates by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this reduction is equivalent to removing over 16.
6 million miles of road vehicle travel or planting 109,600 trees. AMP CEO Jeremy Porter was positively glowing 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 guidance from consultants at Hannah Solar, the project secured a U.
S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant, which covered 50% of the total costs. Porter highlighted the invaluable expertise and support provided by Hannah Solar throughout the research, planning, design, and installation phases.
AMP’s solar energy production will also benefit from Hannah 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 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 highlighted the link between AMP’s solar energy upgrade and its commitment to the transition to electric vehicles. “They can now proudly offer solar-powered charging at several on-site stations,” fostering a cycle of reduced carbon emissions while harnessing Georgia’s abundant sunlight to support the passionate motorsports community as it moves 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 to begin generating solar energy once installation and setup are completed in Q3 2024. The launch of the solar system will coincide with the addition of lighting for 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 enhancing 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..
