POWERGRAMS

38 ENERGY solar panels automatically track the sun for optimum efficiency. "It's been a great partnership all around," said Vince Longo, project engineer for Swinerton, who hails from Sacramento, California. It was the first time Longo was involved in constructing a solar facility in the Deep South. He said local officials were helpful throughout the build-out, and treated him and other out-of-towners warmly. "Southern hospitality is real," he said. "It really has been a good relationship with all the partners," said Kevin Winchell, field service manager for Clenera. "Everyone has worked well together to get this project done." The solar farm was built with sensitivity to the environment. Detention ponds capture rainwater, helping prevent erosion and protecting water quality. Tree stumps removed during construction were ground into mulch and used across the site to prevent erosion until grass planted throughout the facility had a chance to sprout and grow. Alabama Solar A was the third solar project connected to Alabama Power to begin operating in 2017. Company- owned solar facilities were unveiled at two of the state's military bases: Anniston Army Depot and Fort Rucker. Alabama Power has rights to the generation from two wind farms in the Midwest and markets the renewable energy attributes from all these projects. The company also produces clean, renewable hydropower at 14 dams on the Coosa, Tallapoosa and Black Warrior rivers. "Alabama Power was founded on renewable energy," Kelley said, "and we support new renewable energy projects where they make sense for our customers." The company is looking for opportunities to expand its use of renewable energy for the benefit of customers and the state, Kelley said. By Katie Bolton and Michael Sznajderman Walmart stores

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