EPB, a Chattanooga, Tenn.-based municipal utility, is seeking proposals from qualified contractors for the labor and materials needed to build the first of two community solar power generation facilities under its Solar Share pilot project.
Announced in September 2015, Solar Share was created through a partnership between EPB and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The utility says the initiative will be EPB’s inaugural power generating project, with the first phase to be built in the Bakewell community of northern Hamilton County.
“We encourage qualified solar contractors to submit their proposals, and we look forward to working together to provide our customers with a reliable, environmentally friendly energy source,” says EPB President David Wade. “Community solar power generation is a next step toward further enhancing the value of high-quality, reliable electric power delivered by the community’s smart grid.”
At the conclusion of a 30-day request-for-proposals period and a careful review of bids, EPB will select a qualified solar contractor to begin construction of the first Solar Share site in Bakewell by the beginning of this summer.
A second community solar power generation site is planned for construction near existing EPB facilities in Chattanooga. When both sites become operational, the project is expected to have a combined 1.35 MW generation capacity, which is enough power to meet the needs of approximately 200 houses.
EPB invites interested parties to call the utility at (423) 648-1372 to be added to the contact list for future updates.
