Georgia Power added more than 2 million solar panels to the state's energy landscape through its various programs last year and will continue this growth in 2017. Through implementation of the Renewable Energy Development Initiative, approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission in 2016, as well as other solar projects and programs, the company expects to add up to 1,600 MW of additional renewable energy by 2021.

The company now has 846 MW* of solar energy resources in operation, with accelerating growth year over year since 2013. Georgia Power continues to have the largest voluntary renewable portfolio in the country.

"We continue to focus on introducing new products, services and programs that bring renewable energy to our state without putting upward pressure on rates and ensuring 24/7 reliability for customers," said Norrie McKenzie, vice president of renewable development for Georgia Power. "Thanks to the efforts of many, Georgia is a national solar leader in pioneering customer-focused solar developments which bring value for all of the state's electric customers."

2016 solar energy highlights:

• 120 MW of new on-base military projects – Georgia Power dedicated four new 30 MW on-base solar projects at the U.S. Army's Fort Benning, Fort Stewart and Fort Gordon, as well as the Department of the Navy's SUBASE Kings Bay. The projects, built, owned and operated to serve Georgia Power customers, are the result of continued collaboration with the U.S. military to increase renewable energy resources while adding energy security for the bases. The company's fifth 30 MW project is under construction at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.

• Hundreds of MW of solar projects under the Advanced Solar Initiative - Solar developers continued to complete small, medium and large-scale installations across the state ranging from 4 kW to more than 100 MW. Georgia Power purchases the energy from these installations under long-term contracts with customers or developers at or below its avoided cost, the amount it would cost to produce energy from other sources.