Atlanta, Georgia – November 26, 2025 — The City of Decatur has announced a transformative step towards a sustainable future, revealing plans to establish a solar-powered microgrid that will supply clean energy to its historic downtown district by early 2026. City officials, local business owners, and environmental advocates gathered at the Decatur Square on Tuesday to discuss the project, which is poised to become a model for urban energy resilience in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
The microgrid, a decentralised energy system capable of operating independently from the main power grid, will be fuelled by a network of solar panels installed on municipal buildings, parking structures, and select rooftops throughout the downtown area. The initiative aims to provide reliable, renewable electricity to over 60 businesses, government offices, and community spaces, while preserving the architectural character that defines Decatur’s city centre.
Mayor Patti Garrett described the project as “a bold investment in Decatur’s future,” highlighting its potential to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and enhance the city’s ability to withstand power outages. “Our historic downtown is the heart of Decatur,” Garrett said. “By harnessing solar energy, we are ensuring that this vibrant community remains resilient, sustainable, and welcoming for generations to come.”
The microgrid is expected to generate approximately 2.5 megawatts of electricity at peak capacity, enough to meet the majority of the district’s daytime energy needs. Advanced battery storage systems will allow surplus solar power to be stored for use during evenings and periods of low sunlight, ensuring a steady supply of clean energy around the clock.
City Manager Andrea Arnold emphasised the collaborative nature of the project, noting that the city has partnered with Georgia Power, local solar firms, and Emory University’s Department of Environmental Sciences to design and implement the microgrid. “This is a community-driven effort,” Arnold said. “We are leveraging local expertise and engaging residents every step of the way to ensure the microgrid reflects Decatur’s values and priorities.”
The project builds on Decatur’s longstanding commitment to sustainability. In September 2022, the City Commission adopted a comprehensive clean energy plan, setting a target of 100 percent renewable electricity for municipal operations by 2035. The microgrid represents a significant milestone on that path, while also supporting DeKalb County’s broader vision for clean energy and transportation by 2050.
For downtown businesses, the microgrid promises both environmental and economic benefits. “Energy costs are a major concern for small businesses,” said Jasmine Carter, owner of a popular café on East Court Square. “Knowing that our electricity will come from a local, renewable source gives us peace of mind and helps us do our part for the environment.”
The city’s engineering team has worked closely with preservationists to ensure that solar installations blend seamlessly with the district’s historic architecture. Solar panels will be mounted on flat or minimally visible rooftops, and all equipment will be screened from public view where possible. “We want to demonstrate that sustainability and historic preservation can go hand in hand,” said city planner Marcus Lee.
Community engagement has been central to the project’s development. Over the past year, the city has hosted a series of public workshops, inviting residents and business owners to share feedback on the microgrid’s design and operation. The city’s Clean Energy Advisory Board, comprising local scientists, engineers, and community leaders, has played a key role in shaping the project’s technical specifications and outreach strategy.
Funding for the microgrid will be provided through a combination of municipal bonds, state grants, and private investment. The city has secured a $4.2 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, and is finalising a power purchase agreement with Georgia Power that will guarantee stable rates for participating businesses and public facilities.
Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2025, with the microgrid expected to be fully operational by March 2026. During the build-out, the city will offer workforce training programmes in partnership with local technical colleges, creating new job opportunities in solar installation, electrical engineering, and energy management.
Environmental advocates have praised the initiative as a blueprint for other cities seeking to modernise their energy infrastructure. “Decatur is showing real leadership,” said Dr. Priya Menon, an energy policy expert at Emory University. “By investing in a solar microgrid, the city is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also building resilience against extreme weather and grid disruptions.”
As the project moves forward, city officials remain committed to transparency and ongoing community dialogue. Regular progress updates will be shared through public meetings, the city’s website, and local media outlets.
With its solar-powered microgrid, Decatur is poised to write a new chapter in the story of its historic downtown—one defined by innovation, sustainability, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
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Image Credit: Photo by codzilla_swiss on Unsplash
