Old Atlanta Landfill Turns into Massive Solar Panal Farm

Everyone’s heard of how dangerous landfills are to the environment, but one landfill in Atlanta is literally burying the problem.

The Hickory Ridge Landfill closed in 2008, because it was at capacity. Now, the site is home to 6 acres of solar panels. It’s one of the only 3 solar farms in the country.

The flexible solar panels can withstand the elements, “These don’t need such direct sunlight. They create more power during those times it’s cloudy or rainy,” says Environmental Specialist, with Republic Services, Andy Keith.

Almost 7,000 panels cover the landfill with a special green tarp used to contain dangerous gases. The impressive site sits east of Metro Atlanta near the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

The solar farm generates enough energy to produce electricity for 224 homes everyday.

According to Keith, the $5 million project will eventually pay for itself. Republic services, the company responsible for the creation, sells the energy to Georgia Power.

Keith says the solar farm design is a step forward in using natural resources.