Carbon drawdown potential of utility-scale solar in the United States: Evidence from the state of Georgia
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Report
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of solar energy options in the state of Georgia, focusing on both utility-scale and rooftop solar systems as strategies for reducing carbon emissions. It underscores the potential of utility-scale solar to significantly cut Georgia's carbon footprint by 10% by 2030, along with substantial social benefits. However, it notes that a $10 carbon tax may not be sufficient to incentivize rooftop solar growth in the state and highlights the need for carefully designed incentives to avoid adverse effects on low-income customers. The article emphasizes that rather than choosing one solar system over the other, a combined approach involving both utility-scale and rooftop solar is crucial to effectively meet climate goals. It also examines the current state of solar energy in Georgia, the dominance of utility-scale solar, and the potential for further solar development in the region. The study employs modeling to analyze various scenarios and assess the impact of carbon taxes on solar energy expansion in Georgia, taking into account technical and achievable potential.