December 8, 2025
This edition of Projects weekly shines a spotlight on a Kia assembly plant in Georgia that has added a sun canopy that also provides hail protection for new cars. In addition, Ameresco built a solar roof and carport system for a school district in California. Finally, Terra-Gen has secured $383.3 million in project financing for its Lockhart III & IV solar project in California.
Kia plant adds solar and hail protection to Georgia plant
A team of engineering, construction and technology providers is delivering one of the largest dual-purpose solar hail protection projects in the United States, designed to protect vehicles at Kia’s assembly plant in West Point, Georgia, while generating renewable energy. The massive solar array will cover 3.2 million square meters and generate approximately 10 MW of solar energy upon completion. The new carport system combines fixed tilting solar panels with a fabric canopy.
The project brings together Vehicle protection structures (VPS), SolMotif, Ancora systemsAnd ARaymond Energieswho are working with Kia to address a critical need for vehicle protection following a hailstorm in 2023. The solar system uses dual-sided solar modules strategically oriented over VPS’s reflective fabric, capturing sunlight from both sides to improve performance.
“This project is a true team effort,” said Keith Busam, VP of business development and sustainability at VPS. “By integrating VPS’ proven hail protection systems with solar expertise from SolMotiv and Ancora, and mounting solutions from ARaymond, Kia is not only protecting its vehicles, but also advancing its sustainability goals.”
Cool factor: Completion is expected in early 2026 and is estimated to offset 10% of the plant’s annual energy consumption. The project was initiated after a hailstorm damaged more than 13,000 vehicles at the West Point plant in March 2023, causing millions of dollars in damage. This creative and environmentally friendly solution has been confirmed by Georgia Power as the largest behind-the-meter system in Georgia.
Technical collaboration played a crucial role in making the design possible. SolMotiv provided solar sales and technical support and early feasibility analyses, while Ancora Systems designed and supplied its DuoRail rack system, which was specifically designed to work with ARaymond’s PowAR Cinch mount, allowing solar panels to be mounted parallel to their long sides, leaving the back glass unobstructed to maximize dual-sided performance.
“Projects like this point to the future of automotive manufacturing,” said Christopher Klinga, SolMotiv chief engineer. “Protecting vehicles, reducing emissions and using space more efficiently are priorities across the industry, and this installation shows how these goals can be aligned.”
Ameresco develops on-site solar energy for Orange Unified School District
Ameresco Inc. has completed a rooftop and carport solar panel installation project covering 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 the next 25 years.
Ameresco developed the rooftop and carport solar PV systems for Orange Unified School District, located on four elementary, one middle and two high school campuses. OUSD serves approximately 25,000 students in kindergarten through 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, Ameresco will own and maintain the solar energy systems, and OUSD will purchase the power generated by each system at a fixed rate for the next 25 years. This flat rate allows OUSD to capture energy savings, insulate them from any fluctuations in energy prices and guarantee savings. This initiative includes seven solar projects, five of which have already been completed. The remaining two secondary schools are expected to be energized by the end of 2025.
“Our strong and long-standing partnership with Ameresco will help us reduce energy costs and work toward our goal of optimizing 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 are investing in our district’s energy independence and ensuring we provide the best education possible to all of our students.”
Terra-Gen secures project financing for 205 MW Lockhart III & IV solar project
Terra-Gen has completed 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 bridge loan, a $107.5 million construction and term loan, and an additional $39.7 million in 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 US Bank, through its subsidiary US Bancorp Impact Finance.
“The financing of our Lockhart project marks another important 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 electric grid to support California’s renewable energy initiatives and electricity demand. Once completed, the Lockhart III & IV facility is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 94,000 homes annually.
Cool factor: Construction of the facility began earlier this year, with commercial operations planned for 2026. Cupertino Electric is serving as the project’s engineering, procurement and construction contractor, EPC Services is building the high-voltage facilities and First Solar is providing the solar panels.
The project, which will sit alongside previous Lockhart PV phases, was partially built on the site of Terra-Gen’s former SEGS IX solar thermal facility, which was decommissioned in 2024. The facility will be connected to the electricity grid via the existing gen-tie line. to the Kramer Junction substation. The Lockhart complex consists of 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 standalone four-hour battery storage project and 129 MW co-located four-hour storage currently under construction.
Keywords: commercial and industrial, Projects Weekly
