A solar energy project in Chambers County, built in partnership with Alabama Power, was among 50 green initiatives – one from each state – recognized in the latest issue of Parade magazine.

Parade celebrated “The Best of Earth Day” in its April 15 issue with a “state-by-state guide to people and program saving the planet.” Earth Day 2018 takes place on Sunday, April 22.

“We may formally celebrate Earth Day just once a year … but concerned Americans, companies and organizations are making a difference every day and in every state – from sea to shining sea,” said the magazine.

A photograph and description of the AL Solar A project, located in LaFayette, was included in the online edition of the story at www.parade.com/eco. Parade touts a readership of more than 54 million people. The magazine is distributed each week through more than 700 newspapers.

The AL Solar A project in LaFayette was recognized by Parade magazine. (Phil Free / Alabama NewsCenter)

AL Solar A began operation in December and involved multiple partners, including Alabama Power. Much of the energy and renewable energy certificates (RECs) from the project are going to serve Walmart facilities in Alabama Power territory. The remaining energy and RECs from the project are being marketed by Alabama Power to existing and potential customers.

“Walmart is not just about lowering prices; for the last decade, it’s also been focused on lowering energy use, with a stated goal of being powered by 50 percent renewable energy by the year 2025,” the article stated. “To that end, the company recently began getting electricity from one of Alabama’s largest solar facilities, a $140 million project that includes 338,000 solar panels that automatically track the sun for optimal efficiency,” the magazine said.

Parade also noted how the project was built with sensitivity toward the environment. Alabama Solar A “… not only creates energy; it was also built efficiently: Tree stumps removed during construction were ground up into mulch that was spread across the site to prevent soil erosion, and the project includes detention ponds to capture rainwater and improve water quality,” the magazine said.

To learn more about Alabama Power and renewable energy resources, visit www.alabamapower.com; click on “Our Company” and then Renewable Energy Sources.

Here comes the sun: Alabama Power collaborates with partners on 1,100-acre solar project from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.