While “wind energy” was the buzzword for awhile in northeast Alabama – “solar power” is proving to be the “alternative energy source” that many in Georgia, are pinning their hopes on.

A 23 acre site in neighboring Chattooga County is close to being completed, with more than 6,000 solar panels scheduled to be in place by the end of the week in Lyerly, Georgia across from Smith Iron Works on Highway 114.

The solar panels will eventually generate 1.2 megawatts of energy which will be purchased by Georgia Power under a 20 year agreement; Hannah Solar is contracted to sell that site to Washington Gas & Energy Systems.

Representatives of Hannah Solar say once the final panels are in place – Georgia Power will move in to do its interconnects and perform “witness testing” prior to going live.

(The Summerville News/www.thesummervillenews.com)