Atlanta, Georgia – January 21, 2026 — STONE MOUNTAIN PARK, Ga. — DeKalb County officials gathered at the scenic base of Stone Mountain Park on Tuesday to announce a transformative $50 million green energy initiative, set to generate clean power for 10,000 local homes by summer 2026. The project, funded through a mix of county bonds, state grants, and federal incentives, installs expansive solar arrays across 200 acres of park-adjacent land, harnessing Georgia’s abundant sunshine to advance sustainable energy goals.
Commissioner Ted Terry, a leading advocate for environmental progress, addressed an enthusiastic crowd of residents, business leaders, and environmentalists. “This initiative marks a pivotal step in our commitment to a cleaner, more resilient DeKalb,” Terry stated. “By summer, these solar installations will deliver reliable, emissions-free electricity, reducing energy costs for families and bolstering grid stability amid growing demand.” The event featured interactive displays showcasing the panels’ efficiency, with projections indicating an annual output of 80 megawatts—enough to offset the carbon footprint of 15,000 vehicles.
The initiative builds on DeKalb’s established track record in renewable energy, including the county’s pioneering methane-to-electricity facility at Seminole Road Landfill, which already powers 3,000 homes. This new endeavour expands that success, integrating advanced photovoltaic technology with battery storage systems to ensure round-the-clock supply. Engineers from Southface, the nonprofit partnering on the project, explained how the setup incorporates smart inverters for optimal performance, even during cloudy periods. “We’ve designed this with community input at every stage,” said Southface project director Maria Lopez. “The panels blend seamlessly into the landscape, preserving Stone Mountain Park’s natural beauty while creating jobs in installation and maintenance.”
Community engagement has been central to the rollout. Over the past year, DeKalb hosted workshops at venues like Toby Grant Recreation Center and Avondale Estates Farmers Market, gathering feedback from more than 1,000 residents. These sessions shaped equitable elements, such as prioritising power distribution to low-income neighbourhoods in Stone Mountain and Lithonia. Grants totalling $6.4 million from the Georgia Greenspace Program have supported related enhancements, including shaded trails and native plantings around the site, fostering biodiversity and recreational opportunities.
Local leaders hailed the project as a model for regional collaboration. Stone Mountain Mayor Deborah Nance noted its alignment with the DeKalb Green New Deal, a grassroots effort that has already secured solar installations on public buildings and expanded electric vehicle fleets. “This powers homes today and inspires tomorrow’s innovations,” Nance remarked. Economic benefits are equally promising: the initiative creates 300 construction jobs starting next month, with 75 percent earmarked for DeKalb residents through targeted training programs at Clarkston’s Empower initiative. Long-term, it promises $5 million in annual savings for Georgia Power customers via wholesale energy sales.
Residents expressed optimism during the announcement. Atlanta retiree Jamal Washington, who attended with his family, praised the forward-thinking approach. “It’s exciting to see our park become a hub for clean energy—my grandkids will thank us for this legacy,” he said. Families picnicked nearby, enjoying the park’s trails while learning about the project’s role in the broader Stone Mountain Trail Master Plan, which emphasises green infrastructure and connectivity.
By summer, the first phase will connect to the grid, powering homes in unincorporated DeKalb areas and nearby cities like Pine Lake and Stonecrest. Future expansions aim to integrate wind-assisted hybrids and microgrids, positioning the county as a Southeast leader in renewables. This comes amid DeKalb’s 100 percent clean energy pledge by 2050, reinforced by recent policies like the county’s Million Tree Initiative and bioswale installations along East Decatur Greenway.
The Stone Mountain Park site was selected for its ideal solar exposure and proximity to transmission lines, minimising environmental disruption. Wildlife experts confirm minimal impact on local habitats, with buffer zones protecting bird migration paths. County planners have incorporated regenerative landscaping, planting 5,000 native trees to enhance carbon sequestration.
As crews prepare the ground this week, DeKalb’s green momentum accelerates. The initiative not only meets immediate energy needs but also equips the community for climate resilience, from stormwater management to urban farming expansions. With strong public support and proven partnerships, this $50 million investment heralds a brighter, greener future for metro Atlanta.
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Image Credit: Photo by codzilla_swiss on Unsplash
