65° and Clear
PRESS RELEASE: Cherry Street Energy Helps Power Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia’s New Buck Melton Center with Solar Energy
ATLANTA (May 8, 2026) – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia (BGCCG) has expanded its footprint with the acquisition of the Buck Melton Center, now powered in part by a new solar energy system from Cherry Street Energy.
Located in Macon, the facility will provide a safe, supportive environment for young people ages 5–18, with a focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and strong character development.
To support the center’s long-term sustainability, Cherry Street Energy installed a 162-panel solar system expected to generate approximately 115,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, supplying more than 20% of the building’s energy needs. By reducing electricity costs, the system enables BGCCG to direct more resources toward youth programming and community impact.
The solar installation is equivalent to powering 15 homes each year and will offset an estimated 75 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.“The acquisition of the Buck Melton Center represents an exciting step forward in our commitment to serving more youth in Central Georgia,” said Phillip Bryant, President and CEO at Boys & Girls Club of Central Georgia. “Partnering with Cherry Street Energy allows us to invest not only in our kids, but also in a more sustainable future for our community.”
Cherry Street Energy works with organizations across Georgia to provide no upfront cost solar solutions, helping nonprofits and businesses reduce operational expenses while advancing environmental goals.
“We’re proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia on a project that connects community impact with clean energy,” said Michael Chanin, CEO of Cherry Street Energy. “This installation ensures that more resources can go directly toward supporting youth programs, while also contributing to a healthier environment.”
BGCCG will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Buck Melton Center on May 14 from 12 to 1 p.m. ET, welcoming administrative leaders, staff, and board members to celebrate the center’s next chapter.
To learn more about Cherry Street Energy and its solar power solutions, please visit cherrystreet.com.
About Cherry Street Energy
Cherry Street Energy is the Southeast’s leading provider of on-site solar power to commercial and institutional customers. The company designs, installs, owns and operates industry-leading solar power systems for private customers such as Delta Air Lines, Porsche Cars North America and Gulfstream Aviation, and local governments such as the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and City of Savannah. Because Cherry Street owns these systems and sells the power, customers gain access to reliable, predictable energy generation at market rates without any capital investment.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia
For more than 80 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia has provided a safe, positive environment where young people can learn, grow, and build great futures. Serving youth ages 5 to 18 across six club sites in Bibb, Monroe, Houston, and Candler Counties, the organization offers programs that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and strong character and citizenship during critical out-of-school hours. To learn more, visit https://www.bgccg.org/.
