The 1.3-megawatt solar array on Jimmy Carter’s 10-acre lease in Plains, Georgia, currently feeds roughly 60% of the city’s total electricity demand. Built by Atlanta-based SolAmerica Energy in 2017, the project operates under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Georgia Power, ensuring stable, long-term energy supply for the community.
This isn’t just a symbolic gesture. The installation utilizes single-axis tracking technology, allowing panels to follow the sun’s trajectory and maximize output throughout the day. Over its initial 25-year lifespan, the site is projected to produce more than 55 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy. For a town with modest electrical load, that’s a massive shift—moving from a demonstration project to a primary utility source.
Carter’s involvement traces back to his presidency (1977-1981), when he installed solar panels on the White House roof and signed the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA). That legislation lowered barriers for independent power producers, laying the groundwork for the distributed solar boom now visible in Georgia. The Plains project bridges that historical policy push with modern technological application.
Locally, the farm serves a dual purpose: a historical landmark and a critical infrastructure asset. By leveraging privately owned land, the project highlights how distributed energy can diversify a community’s power mix without massive public land acquisition.
The installation remains operational and central to Plains’ grid stability. As Georgia continues expanding utility-scale and distributed solar developments, the Carter farm stands as a case study in how legacy land can adapt to meet modern energy demands.