Go Vols! UT Dedicates TVA’s Largest Solar Farm

The largest solar array in Tennessee, which is also the biggest solar project connected to the Tennessee Valley Authority grid, is now generating electricity.

The 5 MW West Tennessee Solar Farm was dedicated on April 12. The Haywood County facility off Interstate 40 has 21,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels spread across more than 25 acres. The project could be expanded to 10 MW at a later date.

“The West Tennessee Solar Farm opens a new chapter in the history of American solar power, tying together economic development, public education, and future research capabilities that will cement Tennessee’s leading role in this fast-growing, high-tech sector,” said Dr. Joe DiPietro, president of the University of Tennessee.

The site is also designed for public education. It will be home to a future public information center, scheduled to be completed in late 2013.

The solar-energy industry is a rapidly growing sector within Tennessee’s economy. The state has 180 for-profit companies in its solar value chain, employs more than 6,400 people in solar-related industries, and has installed approximately 27 MW of solar power.

The University of Tennessee owns and operates the Solar Farm.

Source: Renewablesbiz.com