EPB, a municipally owned utility in Chattanooga, Tenn., has started construction on the city’s first community solar installation.
Dubbed Solar Share, the community solar project is a partnership between EPB and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the solar facility will be located along Holtzclaw Avenue at EPB’s Distribution Center. By summer, Solar Share is expected to begin generating 1.35 MW of solar power, which EPB says is enough to meet the needs of about 200 households that consume an average amount of power.
“EPB is proud to establish Solar Share as a lasting community asset, which will generate renewable energy for years to come,” says EPB Board of Directors Chairman Joe Ferguson.
According to David Wade, president and CEO of EPB, Solar Share was designed to lower the barriers to entry for customers interested in solar power.
“Community solar is like joining a community pool rather than excavating your yard and installing a pool on your own property,” says Wade. “The benefits are enjoyed by many more people, who don’t have to worry about maintenance, liability and other hassles. Participating in Solar Share is a great option for people who live in apartments and other situations where solar panel installation is not feasible.”
“TVA is committed to providing renewable energy in a way that maximizes the benefits to the communities we serve,” adds the TVA’s Cindy Herron. “Working with EPB to bring Solar Share to Chattanooga is a great example of what can happen when communities and utilities come together for a common goal – a cleaner future.”
After a competitive bidding process, EPB selected TVAEnergy LLC – Tennessee Valley Alternative Energy – as its partner to construct Solar Share.
