Cobb EMC and Gas South celebrated the official opening of a new and innovative Solar Flower Garden on the Cobb EMC corporate campus along Highway 41 in Marietta. The 6,000 square foot garden showcases three 18-foot tall Smartflowers which are part of a larger solar project to supply renewable energy to the power grid. 

“The Solar Flower Garden and Smartflowers are reflections of our sustainability efforts to provide clean, reliable, power to our co-op members while educating the community about the importance of solar energy,” said Peter Heintzelman, President and CEO of Cobb EMC. “Our investment in innovative solar technology helps us provide some of the lowest electric rates in Georgia and pave the way for a greener future.” 

The Solar Flower Garden is a partnership with Cobb EMC’s wholly-owned subsidiary Gas South. 

“The Solar Flower Garden utilizes the latest in solar technology and puts it on display for the communities we serve,” according to Kevin Greiner, President and CEO of Gas South. “This is a product of a great partnership with Cobb EMC and shows our dedication for a more sustainable future.” 

The Smartflowers are an important piece of the ongoing solar and battery storage project at Cobb EMC. An estimated 1.85 MW DC of solar and 1 MW/4 MWh of battery storage is being added to the campus, which will enable Cobb EMC to operate at almost zero-carbon energy and share solar energy back to the grid. 

The three installed Smartflowers can provide an additional 13,140 kWh of energy while also serving as an educational tool for the public. After their first year of operation, the Smartflowers will have produced enough energy to avoid 1,193 gallons of gasoline, charge 3,705 smartphones for a year, and grow 175 tree seedlings for ten years. 

The Solar Flower Garden at Cobb EMC is now open to the public on weekdays from dawn until dusk, and includes educational signage to learn more about sustainable energy. Schools and organizations are encouraged to contact Cobb EMC to host a learning event in the garden, and visitors can utilize the provided charging stations to charge electric vehicles. Visitors are encouraged to share their photos in the Solar Flower Garden with hashtag “Flower Power”: #FLRPWR. 

For more information, please visit cobbemc.com/garden.