Clearview Ranch Solar and Battery Project
What is the Clearview Ranch project in Macon and Bullock counties – and how does it affect Alabama Power customers?
Clearview Ranch is an Alabama Power-developed solar and battery facility planned for Macon and Bullock counties. Meta is supporting the solar project through Alabama Power’s Renewable Subscription Program and will receive all the renewable energy credits generated by the solar project. The project reflects Meta’s commitment to paying the full cost of its energy needs through Alabama Power, helping fund new energy resources while ensuring other customers are not impacted from project costs. As a result, the project will not increase rates for Alabama Power customers.
Short answer: Clearview Ranch will include 200 megawatts of solar generating capacity and a 200-megawatt battery energy storage system. Alabama Power developed the project and will own and operate it. Electricity from the facility will flow onto Alabama Power’s electric system, while the battery can store electricity when demand is low and make it available during periods of high energy use.
What to Know
- Alabama Power developed the project and will own and operate it. Construction will be performed under Alabama Power’s direction and oversight. Alabama Power will remain responsible for operating and maintaining the facility throughout its service life.
- The project combines solar generation with battery storage. The solar facility will generate electricity during daylight hours. The battery will store electricity when demand is low and make it available during periods of high energy use, helping support reliable service.
- Meta is supporting the solar project. Through Alabama Power’s Renewable Subscription Program, Meta will receive all the renewable energy credits generated by the solar project to support its clean energy goals.
- The project will not increase rates for Alabama Power customers. Meta has committed to paying the full cost of its energy needs through Alabama Power, helping fund new energy resources without shifting costs to other customers.
- The project will generate substantial investments and tax revenue. Clearview Ranch is expected to generate approximately $110 million in total state and local tax impacts over a 20-year period. That includes approximately $56 million in Bullock County and $27 million in Macon County. More than $44 million of that total is projected to support local schools. Construction is expected to create approximately 400 jobs.
- Environmental reviews and permitting must be completed before construction begins. Alabama Power is coordinating with federal and state agencies and incorporating environmental considerations into the project’s final design.
Quick Facts
- Location: Macon and Bullock counties
- Solar capacity: 200 megawatts
- Battery capacity: 200 megawatts
- Developed area: Approximately 1,400 acres
- Construction workforce: Approximately 400 workers during construction
- Estimated local and state tax revenue: Approximately $110 million over 20 years
- Ownership: Alabama Power will own and operate the facility
- Customer protection: Meta pays the full cost of its energy needs through Alabama Power; the project will not increase rates for other customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will build, own and operate Clearview Ranch?
Alabama Power developed the project and will own and operate the facility. An engineering, procurement and construction partner will perform construction under Alabama Power’s direction and oversight.
Will Clearview Ranch raise my Alabama Power bill?
No. This project will not increase rates for Alabama Power customers. Meta is supporting the solar project through Alabama Power’s Renewable Subscription Program and has committed to paying the full cost of its energy needs through Alabama Power.
Separately, Alabama Power has frozen customer rates through 2027.
Did the Alabama Public Service Commission approve the project?
Yes. The Alabama Public Service Commission reviewed and approved Alabama Power’s proposal and the related Renewable Subscription Program agreement.
Environmental permits and other federal and state reviews are separate and must be completed before construction can begin.
Will Clearview Ranch directly serve the subscribing customer?
No. The facility will connect to Alabama Power’s electric system, where its electricity will be combined with electricity from other generation resources to serve customers.
The subscribing customer will receive all the RECs generated by the solar project. Those credits allow the customer to claim the project’s renewable energy attributes to support its clean energy goals. RECs are used across industries to track and claim the environmental benefits of renewable energy generation.
What is the Renewable Subscription Program?
The Renewable Subscription Program allows businesses to support the development of new renewable energy projects without building and operating their own facilities.
What does the battery do?
Batteries do not generate electricity. They store electricity and make it available later.
The Clearview Ranch battery is designed to provide stored electricity during periods of high energy use, helping the electric system meet customer demand and support reliable service.
Is battery storage safe?
Clearview Ranch will use lithium iron phosphate batteries housed in enclosed units. The system will include fire detection, continuous monitoring and equipment designed to help limit impacts beyond an affected enclosure.
Alabama Power will coordinate with local emergency responders on training and response planning before the facility begins operating and throughout its service life.
Are the solar panels safe? Do they contain cadmium?
Clearview Ranch will use silicon-based solar panels, a widely used solar technology. The panels selected for the project do not contain cadmium telluride and will be required to meet applicable safety and environmental standards.
Will the project be visible from nearby roads?
Current plans include vegetation and visual buffers intended to limit views from nearby roads. Alabama Power will continue evaluating the site layout and landscaping as the design is finalized.
How is Alabama Power addressing environmental impacts?
Federal and state environmental reviews and permits must be completed before construction begins. Alabama Power is incorporating environmental considerations into the project design to reduce impacts and conserve sensitive areas.
Last updated: August 2026