Georgia Kia plant adds solar hail protection canopy | Projects Weekly
This edition of Projects Weekly shines the spotlight on a Kia assembly plant in Georgia that has added a solar canopy that also provides hail protection for new cars. Plus, Ameresco has built a solar rooftop and carport system for a California school district. Finally, Terra-Gen has secured $383.3 million in project financing for its Lockhart III & IV solar project in California.
Kia plant adds solar + hail protection canopy at Georgia facility
A team of engineering, construction, and technology providers is delivering one of the largest dual-purpose solar hail protection canopy projects in the United States, designed to protect vehicles at Kia’s West Point, Georgia, assembly plant — while also generating renewable power. The massive solar array will cover 3.2 million square feet and generate approximately 10 MW of solar power when complete. The new carport system combines fixed-tilt solar arrays with a fabric canopy.
The project brings together Vehicle Protection Structures (VPS), SolMotiv, Ancora Systems, and ARaymond Energies, who have partnered with Kia to address a critical need for vehicle protection following a 2023 hailstorm. The solar system uses bifacial solar modules that are strategically oriented over VPS’s reflective fabric, capturing sunlight from both sides to boost performance.
“This project is a true team effort,” said Keith Busam, VP of business development and sustainability for VPS. “By integrating VPS’s proven hail protection systems with solar expertise from SolMotiv and Ancora, and fastening solutions from ARaymond, Kia is not only protecting its vehicles but also advancing its sustainability goals.”
Cool factor: With completion expected in early 2026, the system will offset an estimated 10% of the plant’s annual energy consumption. The project was initiated after a hailstorm in March 2023 damaged more than 13,000 vehicles at the West Point plant, causing millions of dollars in damage. This creative and eco-friendly solution has been confirmed by Georgia Power to be the largest behind-the-meter system in Georgia.
Engineering collaboration played a critical role in making the design possible. SolMotiv provided solar sales and engineering support and early feasibility analysis, while Ancora Systems designed and delivered its DuoRail racking system, which was was engineered specifically to work with ARaymond’s PowAR Cinch fastener, allowing solar modules to be mounted parallel to their long sides, keeping the rear glass unobstructed to maximize bifacial performance.
“Projects like this point to the future of automotive manufacturing,” said Christopher Klinga, SolMotiv’s principal engineer. “Protecting vehicles, reducing emissions, and using space more efficiently are priorities across the industry, and this installation shows how those goals can align.”
Ameresco Develops On-site Solar for Orange Unified School District
Ameresco Inc. has completed a solar PV rooftop and carport installation project spanning seven schools for the Orange Unified School District (OUSD) in California. The project is expected to generate $6.3 million in savings for the school district over 25 years.
Ameresco developed the rooftop and carport canopy solar PV systems for Orange Unified School District, located at four elementary, one middle, and two high school campuses. OUSD serves approximately 25,000 students from preschool to grade 12 from Orange County, California, in the cities of Orange, Villa Park, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and unincorporated county areas.
“These initiatives highlight how schools can strengthen their energy resilience while reducing costs,” said Lou Maltezos, president of Central & Western USA, Canada Regions at Ameresco.
Cool factor: As part of the power purchase agreement contract, Ameresco will own and maintain the solar systems, and OUSD will purchase the power generated by each system at a fixed rate for the next 25 years. This fixed rate allows OUSD to lock in energy savings, insulating them from any fluctuations in energy pricing and guaranteeing savings. This initiative comprises seven solar projects, five of which are already complete. The remaining two high schools are scheduled to be energized by the end of 2025.
“Our strong and long-term partnership with Ameresco is helping us to decrease energy costs and work toward our goal to optimize efficiency across the district,” said Isela Vazquez, senior executive director, facilities development and planning at the Orange Unified School District. “By investing in resilient energy technology, we’re investing in our district’s energy independence and ensuring our ability to provide the best possible education to every single of our students.”
Terra-Gen secures project financing for 205 MW Lockhart III & IV solar project
Terra-Gen has closed project financing for the construction of the Lockhart III & IV solar project in San Bernardino County, California. Financing commitments for the project total $383.3 million, including a $236.1 million tax equity bridge loan, a $107.5 million construction and term loan, and an additional $39.7 million of unfunded facilities. The financing will be provided by a group of four commercial US and international banks, including Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, ING, NORD/LB and U.S. Bank, through its subsidiary U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance.
“The financing of our Lockhart project marks another significant milestone in advancing our renewable energy portfolio and strengthening our position in one of the most dynamic renewable energy markets in the country,” said John O’Connor, CEO of Terra-Gen, an independent, integrated renewable energy producer jointly owned by Igneo Infrastructure Partners and Masdar.
The Lockhart III & IV project will add 205 MWac of clean energy to the local grid in support of California’s renewable energy initiatives and electricity demand. Once complete, the Lockhart III & IV facility is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 94,000 homes annually.
Cool factor: Construction on the facility started earlier this year, with commercial operations targeted for 2026. Cupertino Electric is serving as the project’s engineering, procurement and construction contractor, EPC Services is constructing the high voltage facilities, and First Solar is supplying the solar modules.
The project, to be located adjacent to earlier Lockhart PV phases, was partially constructed on the site of Terra-Gen’s former SEGS IX solar thermal facility, which was decommissioned in 2024. The facility will connect to the grid via the existing gen-tie line to the Kramer Junction Substation. The Lockhart complex comprises Lockhart I, which has the capacity to generate 85 MW, and Lockhart II, which provides an additional 75 MW, as well as a 45 MW four-hour stand-alone battery storage project and 129 MW of co-located four-hour storage currently under construction.
