Dept. of Economic & Community Development
Bill Hagerty, Commissioner
 |
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act |
STATE ENERGY PROGRAM |
| IN THIS SECTION |
| ARRA Amounts | West Tennessee Solar Farm |
| Overview | Key Events |
| Volunteer State Solar Initiative | Contact |
| Tennessee Solar Institute | Recovery Act and State Energy Program Resources |
ARRA AMOUNTS 
U.S. – $3.1 billion
Tennessee/ECD – $62,482,000
Solar Array at Sustainable Future's facility in Knoxville, Tenn
Tennessee will receive a total of $62,482,000 in funding for the State Energy Program (SEP) through ARRA. ECD’s Energy Divison Office will be administering and overseeing distribution of the funds.
The goals established by the federal government for SEP funds include:
- Increasing energy efficiency to reduce energy costs and consumption for consumers, businesses and government;
- Reducing reliance on imported energy;
- Improving the reliability of electricity and fuel supply and the delivery of energy services; and
-Reducing the impacts of energy production and use on the environment.
SEP Basics
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VOLUNTEER STATE SOLAR INITIATIVE
Tennessee will use its SEP funds to establish the Volunteer State Solar Initiative, a comprehensive solar energy and economic development program, focusing on job creation, education, renewable power production, and technology commercialization. Building upon current efforts, this program will stimulate short-term economic growth, while positioning the state to support long-term expansion of the solar industry. Recovery Act funds will enable the state to accelerate national market transformation in a manner that will create jobs and ensure a clean energy future.
The initiative consists of two projects: The Tennessee Solar Institute at the University of Tennessee (UT) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), which will focus on industry partnerships to improve the affordability and efficiency of solar products; and the West Tennessee Solar Farm, a five-megawatt 20-acre power generation facility in Haywood County that will be one of the largest installations in the Southeast and serve as a demonstration tool for education and economic development.
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Tennessee Solar Institute
The Tennessee Solar Institute (TSI) at UT and ORNL is a center for excellence to spur accelerated growth in Tennessee’s burgeoning solar industry and serves as a crossroads for a wide-range of solar-related activities in the Volunteer State. Among other purposes, the institute brings together scientists, engineers and technical experts with business leaders, policymakers and industry workers to help speed the improvement and deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.
Basic research activities will be conducted using state energy funds to be designated to UT and ORNL, outside of the Recovery Act. However, for the purposes of establishing industry relationships and leveraging federal Recovery Act dollars, the institute has created a $23.5 million “Solar Opportunity Fund” to underwrite a series of new Solar Innovation and Solar Installation grants.
In addition to grant programs, Tennessee Solar Institute is charged with developing strategic partnerships with solar industry firms and providing a range of technical assistance, policy development, education and training activities through meetings, conferences and workshops. Among other activities, the Institute is offering week long solar installation training courses, developing a solar industry database, and conducting a solar industry needs assessment. Preparations are also being made for a solar industry summit in 2011. The Institute will conduct additional basic research and development activities by identifying other sources of competitive funding outside of the Recovery Act.
Solar Innovation Grants
Solar Innovation Grants encourage growth of Tennessee's solar industry by providing funds to the state's solar industry firms for technical assistance, workforce development, renewable energy products integration, process improvements, technology improvements, and facilities and equipment improvements. TSI announced $7.25 million in Solar Innovation Grants on Dec. 8, 2010 to fund 37 projects throughout the state to spur growth in the state’s emerging solar value chain. A total of 21 Tennessee businesses, representing eight of the nine U.S. congressional districts in the state, were awarded grants.
A second round of Innovation Grants was announced on March 28, 2011. A total of $7.27 million was awarded to 38 companies across the Volunteer State representing 59 new solar projects that will build on and enhance the strong growth of Tennessee’s solar value chain.
| Technical Assistance Projects | ||
| Company Name | Grant Amount | Description |
| AGC Glass Co NA | $100,000 | AGC Glass Co. is a global leader in solar photovoltaic module glass production. With this award, AGC will contract with a specialty firm to conduct a comprehensive energy audit of its facility and develop recommendations based on the results. Implementation will reduce AGC's long-term operational costs while saving energy |
| Cara-Sol Energy | $47,285 | Cara-Sol Energy, LLC, is a provider of solar goods and services including solar feasibility studies, design, and installation of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. With this award, Cara-Sol will conduct a marketing study to promote its solar thermal panels, certify its solar thermal collector panels, and register as ISO 9001/14001 compliant. Cara-Sol products are manufactured and sold in Tennessee |
| Choice Mechanical | $99,275 | Choice Mechanical is an installer of geothermal, solar, and wind systems. With this award, Choice Mechanical will conduct a comprehensive marketing and implementation plan in order to promote the adoption of solar energy technologies in their market area. |
| Diversified Power Int'l (DPI) | $90,000 | Diversified Power International (DPI) manufactures Remote Installation Site Solar Power Systems, Solar Assisted Vehicle Roof Top Mounted Systems, and Components. With this award, DPI will engage technical expertise to conduct a market analysis and create and execute a marketing plan for its remote site solar power systems products. DPI products are manufactured and sold in Tennessee. |
| Energy Source Partners | $72,259 | Energy Source Partner (ESP) designs, finances, installs, owns, and operates solar generating facilities. With this award, ESP will develop a strategic and marketing plan to further expand its solar installation business. |
| FLS Energy - TN Division | $38,975 | FLS Energy specializes in the design, financing, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of solar installations. With this award, FLS will seek professional consulting for marketing analysis and technical assistance in order to promote its commercial solar technology and installation expertise |
| LightWave Solar Electric | $27,000 | Lightwave Solar designs and installs turn-key solar PV systems throughout Tennessee. With this award, Lightwave will contract with a business consultant to analyze business operations, conduct market research, and increase business efficiency and effectiveness. |
| MidSouth Sustainable Energy Solutions | $55,760 | MSES is a new entrant in Tennessee's solar value chain. MSES was formed to drive the growth of industrial solar installations in urban centers by offering a comprehensive package of services. With this award, MSES will contract with a renewable energy and a marketing/commercialization consultant to develop in-house expertise in these areas |
| Outpost Solar | $100,000 | Outpost Solar designs and manufactures innovative energy solutions from off-grid solar systems for remote areas to grid-tied parking area solar arrays. With this award, Outpost Solar will conduct (i) an energy assessment and implementation plan for its facility and (ii) engage technical expertise in the fields of material processing to enhance efficiencies in its manufacturing operations. |
| Restoration Services, Inc | $88,856 | Restoration Services, Inc. (RSI) is an environmental services company with experience working on large, contaminated land parcels. With this award, RSI will contract with external consultants for technical assistance in developing large-scale solar farms on reclaimed contaminated properties (i.e., Brownfields, Superfund sites). This will allow RSI to deploy large-scale arrays for their clients |
| Sharp Mfg Co America | $50,796 | Sharp Manufacturing Company of America is a major manufacturer of solar panels. With this award, Sharp will conduct a market analysis and conduct an energy audit of its entire campus in Memphis. |
| Shoals Technologies Grp | $100,000 | Shoals Technologies Group, LLC, is a leading manufacturer of components for the solar industry. With this award, Shoals will pursue UL and other certifications for its new solar connector, universal junction box, and diode box products. This will allow Shoals to increase its deployment of its solar components. Shoals products are manufactured and sold in Tennessee. |
| Simple EnergyWorks | $45,920 | Simple EnergyWorks, LLC, is a solar integrator that designs, sells, and works with contractors on the installation of PV systems. With this award, Simple EnergyWorks will work with consultants to develop a comprehensive business plan and strategic plan to more efficiently partner with electrical contractors and capitalize on solar installation opportunities. |
| Solar & Renewable Power Systems | $55,771 | Solar & Renewable Power Systems promotes, sells, designs, and installs solar PV systems in the State of Tennessee. With this award, SRPS will add equipment and software to aid in the implementation of renewable energy products. This will create more efficiency and productivity in business operations. |
| Soltility | $90,000 | Soltility provides design, financing, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of solar installations. With this award, Soltility will develop a strategic marketing plan that addresses the market segments and create a tactical plan. |
| Sustainable Future | $72,310 | Sustainable Future is a provider of solar installation services. With this award, Sustainable Future will contract with technical consultants to increase business process efficiency and to improve electrical design and installation proficiency. |
| 16 Projects | $1,134,207 | |
| Workforce Development Projects | ||
| Company Name | Grant Amount | Description |
| A-1 Electrical Contractors | $18,000 | A-1 Electrical Contractors is a new entrant in the solar value chain. With this award, A-1 Electrical will train 6 employees in the area of solar PV installation. |
| AGC Glass Co NA | $50,000 | AGC Glass Co. is a global leader in solar photovoltaic module glass production. With this award, AGC will continue to develop its highly skilled workforce in the operation of advanced technical machinery. |
| Alicity Clean Energy | $6,090 | Alicity Clean Energy, LLC, specializes in the development, construction, and operation of small solar electricity generation farms. With this award, Alicity will obtain NABCEP certification for 2 employees. |
| Apollo Energy Storage Corp | $45,855 | Apollo Energy Storage Corporation is a provider of integrated clean energy storage systems and services. With this award, Apollo will train employees in the areas of PV installation and technical sales training, solar thermal installation, and management strategies training. |
| Appalachian Renewable Resources | $4,355 | Appalachian Renewable Resources is a new entrant in Tennessee's solar value chain specializing in the design and installation of solar photovoltaic systems. With this award, the managing member will augment his education and licensing in solar system design and installation. |
| Cara-Sol Energy | $14,287 | Cara-Sol Energy, LLC, is a provider of solar goods and services including solar feasibility studies, design, and installation of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. With this award, Cara-Sol will train employees in solar thermal and PV installation enhancing their ability to market Cara-Sol products. |
| Choice Mechanical | $50,000 | Choice Mechanical is an installer of geothermal, solar, and wind systems. With this award, Choice Mechanical will provide solar PV, solar thermal, and geothermal training for its employees enhancing Choice's ability to provide a range of renewable energy services. |
| Diversified Power Int'l (DPI) | $37,050 | Diversified Power International, LLC (DPI), designs and manufactures solar energy conversion products. With this award, DPI will provide company specific solar training for its employees related to its remote solar systems manufacturing line. |
| Energy Source Partners | $35,401 | Energy Source Partner (ESP) designs, finances, installs, owns, and operates solar generating facilities. With this award, ESP employees will participate in NABCEP test preparation, OSHA safety, and project management training. |
| FLS Energy - TN Division | $5,738 | FLS Energy specializes in the design, financing, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of solar installations. With this award, FLS will train personnel in NABCEP entry level PV and Technical PV Sales certifications. |
| Green Earth Solar | $30,500 | Green Earth Solar consults, designs, sells and installs solar energy systems including PV and thermal technologies. With this award, Green Earth will further train its employees in the design, sale, and installation of solar systems. |
| Integrated Solar | $41,000 | Integrated Solar provides clients with complete renewable energy integration with new and existing power systems. With this award, Integrated solar will provide NABCEP and LEED training for its employees. |
| LightWave Solar Electric | $41,533 | LightWave Solar designs and installs turn-key solar PV systems throughout Tennessee. With this award, LightWave will provide additional PV and electrical training for 19 employees further enhancing their ability to design and install PV systems. |
| Mt Pelia Innovative Solutions | $6,140 | Mt. Pelia Innovative Solutions, LLC, is solar installation firm. With this award, Mt. Pelia Innovative Solutions will pursue solar design, installation, and sales training for its employees and enhance its ability to promote solar technology in west Tennessee. |
| New System Electric | $8,838 | New System Electric is a new entrant into the solar installation market. With this award, solar PV training will be provided to its employees. |
| Outpost Solar | $40,435 | Outpost Solar designs and manufactures innovative energy solutions from off-grid solar systems for remote areas to grid-tied parking area solar arrays. With this award, Outpost Solar will develop and maintain a comprehensive package of educational and solar training programs for its employees |
| Sharp Mfg Co America | $34,700 | Sharp Manufacturing Company of America is a major manufacturer of solar panels. With this award, Sharp will provide company specific training for 40 employees related to its expansion of its solar module manufacturing line. |
| Shoals Technologies Grp | $50,000 | Shoals Technologies Group, LLC, is a leading manufacturer of components for the solar industry. With this award, Shoals will train a new set of employees for the manufacture of a new product. |
| Simple EnergyWorks | $13,996 | Simple EnergyWorks, LLC, is a solar integrator that designs, sells, and works with contractors on the installation of PV systems. With this award, Simple EnergyWorks will further train, educate, and license its managing members in PV design, sales, and installation |
| Solar & Renewable Power Systems | $16,815 | Solar & Renewable Power Systems (SRPS) promotes, sells, designs, and installs solar PV systems in the State of Tennessee. With this award, SRPS will provide NABCEP Technical Sales and Installation training as well as pursue LEED certification for its employees. |
| Solartek Energy | $21,950 | SolarTek Energy designs and installs solar PV and thermal systems throughout Tennessee. With this award, SolarTek will provide further training and certification for employees in the design, sales, service, and installation of solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems |
| Soltility | $25,691 | Soltility provides design, financing, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of solar installations. With this award, Soltility will provide PV installation, safety, and technical sales training for its employees. |
| Sustainable Future | $50,000 | Sustainable Future is a provider of solar installation services. With this award, Sustainable Future will further train its employees in solar installation, energy assessment, and technical sales. |
| Taylor Brothers Construction | $14,305 | Taylor Brothers Construction, LLC, is a general contracting firm specializing in small commercial, residential, and solar sales and installation. With this award, Taylor Brothers Construction will pursue PV installation and sales training. |
| Tri-State Armature & Electrical Works | $47,330 | Tri-State Armature is a provider of technical services to the electrical industry. With this award, Tri-State will obtain training for its employees in the areas of energy efficiency, sales, and PV installation. Their goal with this training is to become a TVA Preferred Partner (CEM, LEED, CLP). |
| Zuercher Electric Co | $10,200 | Zuercher Electric is an electrical service firm. With this award, Zuercher Electric with train employees in solar design and installation and NABCEP certification. |
| 28 Projects | $720,209 | |
| Renewable Energy Products | ||
| Company Name | Grant Amount | Description |
| AGC Glass Co NA | $250,000 | AGC Glass Co. is a global leader in solar photovoltaic module glass production. With this award, AGC will contract with a solar installation firm to install a 50 kW photovoltaic array on its facility. |
| Big Frog Mountain Corp | $97,870 | Big Frog Mountain is a provider of custom design and integration services, and regional distributor and sales of renewable energy systems and components. With this award, Big Frog Mountain will install a 9kW solar array with battery backup as a demonstration and training system at its facility |
| Choice Mechanical | $246,457 | Choice Mechanical is an installer of geothermal, solar, and wind systems. With this award, Choice Mechanical will install a 24 kW PV system + 3.5 ton Geothermal system to offset its electrical and heating costs. |
| Green Earth Solar | $250,000 | Green Earth Solar, LLC, designs, sells, and installs solar energy systems including PV and thermal technologies. With this award, Green Earth Solar will install a 45 kW parking shade solar array with 4 electric vehicle charging stations at its offices. This array will produce approximately 50,400 kWh per year. |
| HM Company | $237,661 | H&M Company is a national engineering and construction firm offering a range of design-build services, including PV systems, for projects through North America. With this award, H&M will install a 40.48 kW PV array on company headquarters. |
| Hoyt Hayes Jr Construction | $215,120 | Hoyt Hayes Jr. Construction (HHC) is a design/build General Contracting firm. With this award, HHC will design and install 4 separate PV solar arrays (40 kW total; carport, ground mount, roof-mounted PV, and roof-mounted thin film) as demonstrations to promote sales as well as offset electricity usage by 38,700 kWh per year. |
| Integrated Solar | $210,000 | Integrated Solar provides clients with complete renewable energy integration with new and existing power systems. With this award, Integrated solar will install and demonstrate a 40 kW solar array with an electric vehicle recharging station. |
| Lawson Electric Co | $229,535 | Lawson electric is a full-service electrical contracting company and a new entrant in Tennessee's solar value chain. With this award, Lawson Electric will install a 40.48 kW solar array on company headquarters in Chattanooga. |
| Massey Electric Co | $215,544 | Massey Electric Company is a full-service electrical contractor. With this award, Massey will design and install a 44.5 kW solar PV project as a marketing tool for potential clients as well as to offset electricity usage by 55,500 kWh per year. |
| Outpost Solar | $250,000 | Outpost Solar designs and manufactures innovative energy solutions from off-grid solar systems for remote areas to grid-tied parking area solar arrays. With this award, Outpost Solar will install a 56.4 kW Parking Area Solar Array at its facility. |
| S&W Contracting Co | $123,983 | S&W Contracting Co., Inc. is a full-service electrical contractor. With this award, S&W will design and install a 21.5 kW ground-mount PV system to be used as a showcase for potential clients as well as offset electricity usage by 36,200 kWh per year. |
| Signal Energy | $177,870 | Signal Energy, LLC is a full service design/build contractor providing Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services for renewable energy projects. With this award, Signal Energy proposes to reduce the GHG emissions of its corporate office and generate renewable electricity by designing and installing a 29 KW Solar PV roof top system using an innovative racking material. |
| Solar & Renewable Power Systems | $249,245 | Solar & Renewable Power Systems promotes, sells, designs, and installs solar PV systems in the State of Tennessee. With this award, SRPS will install a 40.68 kW PV array on its company headquarters. |
| Sustainable Future | $250,000 | Sustainable Future is a provider of solar installation services. With this award, Sustainable Future will develop an area at its facility to demonstrate various solar array mounting techniques with a combined capacity of 23.25 kW. |
| 14 Projects | $3,003,285 | |
| Process Improvements | ||
| Company Name | Grant Amount | Description |
| AGC Glass Co NA | $500,000 | AGC Glass Co. is a global leader in solar photovoltaic module glass production. With this award, AGC will contract with a solar installation firm to install a 50 kW photovoltaic array on its facility. |
| Cara-Sol Energy | $189,500 | Cara-Sol Energy, LLC is a provider of solar goods and services including solar feasibility studies, design, and installation of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. With this award, Cara-Sol will tool a manufacturing line for the production of solar thermal panels. |
| Diversified Power Int'l (DPI) | $500,000 | Diversified Power International, LLC (DPI), designs and manufactures solar energy conversion products. With this award, DPI will install a printed circuit board assembly line to support its solar recharging station manufacturing line reducing current manufacturing time and costs. With these improvements, there will be a 100% increase in productivity in the first year and the creation of 9 jobs immediately. DPI manufactures and sells their products in Tennessee. |
| MidSouth Sustainable Energy Solutions | $428,000 | MidSouth Sustainable Energy Solutions (MSES) was formed to drive the growth of industrial solar installations in urban centers by offering a comprehensive package of services. With this award, MSES will use Lean Manufacturing and establish a manufacturing process for its Weather Smart Racking Response System. These process improvements will allow MSES to manufactures components in Tennessee instead of importing from other states. |
| Outpost Solar | $500,000 | Outpost Solar designs and manufactures innovative energy solutions from off-grid solar systems for remote areas to grid-tied parking area solar arrays. With this award, Outpost Solar will install a 56.4 kW Parking Area Solar Array at its facility |
| Richland | $457,540 | Richland, LLC is the fabricator, manufacturer of steel support structures for use in solar parking arrays With this award, Richland will improve its fabrication processes and component flow through the facility with the objective of labor and energy efficiency. |
| Sharp Mfg Co America | $500,000 | Sharp Manufacturing Company of America is a major manufacturer of solar panels. With this award, Sharp will retool and expand its manufacturing line with the purchase of tabbing machines and associated ancillary equipment. |
| Shoals Technologies Grp | $500,000 | Shoals Technologies Group, LLC, is a leading manufacturer of components for the solar industry. With this award, Shoals will re-tool 3 injection molding lines for the production of new and improved solar connection and junction boxes. Deployment of Shoals products into solar panel manufacturing will allow a 10%-15% energy reduction. |
| Soltility | $499,383 | Soltility provides design, financing, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of solar installations. With this award, Soltility will implement Lean Manufacturing into its production and assembly of racking for solar arrays at its Spring Hill facility which will reduce fabrication and installation times from 5 weeks to 1 week. This will allow Soltility to increase productivity and deploy more solar systems. |
| 9 Projects | $4,074,423 | |
| Technology Improvements | ||
| Company Name | Grant Amount | Description |
| AGC Glass Co NA | $100,000 | AGC Glass Co. is a global leader in solar photovoltaic module glass production. AGC’s Kingsport operation will use the Process Improvement grant to purchase infrared scanning devices which will increases the quality of solar glass products. |
| Diversified Power Int'l (DPI) | $100,000 | Diversified Power International, LLC (DPI), designs and manufactures solar energy conversion products. With this award, DPI will automate sections of its manufacturing line reducing energy costs (19%) and increasing productivity (100%). DPI manufactures and sells its products in Tennessee |
| Outpost Solar | $100,000 | Outpost Solar designs and manufactures innovative energy solutions from off-grid solar systems for remote areas to grid-tied parking area solar arrays. With this award, Outpost Solar will purchase a programmable/computerized CNC vertical bandsaw system to replace the current process of manually performing the tasks with multiple machines and workstations improving productivity and output |
| Richland | $70,420 | Richland, LLC, is an industrial-based service company that specializes in steel manufacture, sales, and fabrication of solar racking systems. With this award, Richland will introduce an automated drilling system into its solar racking manufacturing process thus reducing fabrication time by 85%. Richland manufactures and sells its products in Tennessee. |
| Sharp Mfg Co America | $100,000 | Sharp Manufacturing Company of America is a major manufacturer of solar panels. With this award, Sharp will install new technology to improve the efiicency of production for their solar module process. |
| Shoals Technologies Grp | $100,000 | Shoals Technologies Group, LLC, is a leading manufacturer of components for the solar industry. With this award, Shoals will implement an Enterprise Resource Planning System to optimize their production facilities (increase production efficiency of its solar products, reduce waste, increase productivity). Shoals products are manufactured and sold in Tennessee. |
| 6 Projects | $570,420 | |
| Facilties & Equipment Improvements | ||
| Company Name | Grant Amount | Description |
| AGC Glass Co NA | $500,000 | AGC Glass Co. is a global leader in solar photovoltaic module glass production. With this award, AGC will install energy efficient lighting as part of a comprehensive energy efficiency modernization plan in its facility. |
| Big Frog Mountain Corp | $26,700 | Big Frog Mountain is a provider of custom design and integration services, and regional distributor and sales of renewable energy systems and components. With this award, Big Frog Mountain will insulate its facility and add energy saving film to its windows in order to reduce its heating and cooling costs. |
| Diversified Power Int'l (DPI) | $151,753 | Diversified Power International, LLC (DPI), designs and manufactures solar energy conversion products. With this award, DPI will add insulation, install skylights for natural lighting, and upgrade HVAC units at its facility for an energy savings of 20%. |
| Hoyt Hayes Jr Construction | $112,307 | Hoyt Hayes Jr. Construction (HHC) is a design/build General Contracting firm. With this award, HHC will replace HVAC units, install LED and compact fluorescent lighting, variable speed fans, and occupancy sensors at its facility. These measures will reduce HHC's energy costs and increase energy efficiency at the facility. |
| Integrated Solar | $39,500 | Integrated Solar provides clients with complete renewable energy integration with new and existing power systems. With this award, Integrated Solar with improve the energy efficiency of its facility by upgrading its HVAC system, windows, doors, and insulation. |
| MidSouth Sustainable Energy Solutions | $162,535 | MSES is a new entrant in Tennessee's solar value chain. MSES was formed to drive the growth of industrial solar installations in urban centers by offering a comprehensive package of services. With this award, MSES will install high efficiency lighting and elevator motors in its parking garage. |
| Outpost Solar | $477,250 | Outpost Solar designs and manufactures innovative energy solutions from off-grid solar systems for remote areas to grid-tied parking area solar arrays. With this award, Outpost Solar will replace 327 metal halide lighting with LED lights at its facility reducing its energy consumption by an estimated 438,000 kwh per year. |
| Sharp Mfg Co America | $500,000 | Sharp Manufacturing Company of America is a major manufacturer of solar panels. With this award, Sharp will install LED and T-5 lights throughout its facilities in Memphis. |
| Shoals Technologies Grp | $500,000 | Shoals Technologies Group, LLC, is a leading manufacturer of components for the solar industry. With this award, Shoals will upgrade HVAC systems and install energy efficient lighting at its facility. These measures will reduce Shoals' energy costs and increase energy efficiency at the facility |
| Solar & Renewable Power Systems | $169,608 | Solar & Renewable Power Systems promotes, sells, designs, and installs solar PV systems in the State of Tennessee. With this award, SRPS will install high efficiency HVAC units as well as occupancy sensors and solar window film. |
| Solarwise | $185,892 | Solarwise, LLP, promotes, sells, designs, and installs solar PV system. With this award, Solarwise will retrofit its HVAC, hot water system, and lighting in its facility. These systems will be powered by a dedicated, off-grid, solar array for a 100% energy use reduction. |
| Sustainable Future | 147,000 | Sustainable Future is a provider of solar installation services. With this award, Sustainable Future will reduce their energy usage by 50% via installation of new insulation, T8, LED, and solar tubes for efficient lighting, and a SEER 25 rated HVAC unit. |
| Tri-State Armature & Electrical Works | $489,300 | Tri-State Armature is a provider of technical services to the electrical industry. With this award, Tri-State will install upgraded it's 100+ year-old building with LED and compact fluorescent lights, T-5 and T-8 lamps, Energy-Star rated windows and doors, and high efficiency HVAC units. Tri-State expects to reduce its energy costs by 30% with these modifications. |
| 13 Projects | $3,461,845 |
Solar Installation Grants
 |
Solar panels installed on a green 'cool roof' with a custom-designed racking system to fit the curvature of the rooftop at the Hendrix & Darling site in Nashville. |
Solar Installation Grants will speed the deployment of solar energy statewide and help reduce the operating costs of Tennessee businesses through grants that fund the purchase and installation of small-scale solar photovoltaic systems. On Sept. 27, 2010, TSI announced that it has fully committed more than $9 million in Solar Installation grants to Tennessee businesses, funding more than 100 projects valued at more 
than $33 million. These solar photovoltaic installations will produce an estimated 5.8 megawatts of additional solar conversion, increasing Tennessee’s total solar usage from an estimated 2.5 megawatts to over 8 megawatts.
An second round of Installation Grants was announced on September 20, 2011. A total of 17 projects, valued at more than $4.8 million, have been approved for new solar photovoltaic installations across the state.
When combined with previously announced Solar Installation Grants (announced September 24, 2010), a total of 144 installations, representing over 6.2 MW of new, clean energy production, will have benefitted from the program. Projects are located in 40 counties across the state, with a total economic impact of more than $35.9 million.
Solar Installation Grantees include (but are subject to change pending grant contract finalization):
Round 1:
Applicant |
System Size (DC Watts) |
System Cost |
Grant Amount |
County |
Blount Animal Clinic |
7,590 |
$53,750 |
$15,180 |
Blount |
Louisville Marina, LLC |
75,200 |
$511,360 |
$120,200 |
Blount |
Tindell's Inc. |
29,610 |
$163,000 |
$59,220 |
Blount |
Good Earth Energy |
29,400 |
$170,316 |
$58,800 |
Cannon |
Elizabethton Veterinary Clinic |
12,960 |
$84,240 |
$25,920 |
Carter |
LU Incorporated |
86,400 |
$561,600 |
$131,400 |
Cheatham |
Hickory Corner Dairy |
28,200 |
$180,068 |
$56,400 |
Claiborne |
Autumn Acres |
14,100 |
$79,996 |
$28,200 |
Cumberland |
Best Friends Veterinary Hospital |
9,200 |
$ 63,824 |
$18,400 |
Cumberland |
KWGV, LLC |
47,040 |
$ 255,898 |
$85,560 |
Cumberland |
Thomas & Dorota Nosarzewski |
27,600 |
$171,701 |
$ 55,200 |
Cumberland |
Berry Hill Animal Hospital |
5,880 |
$38,000 |
$11,760 |
Davidson |
C B Ragland Company, Inc. |
29,568 |
$191,750 |
$59,136 |
Davidson |
C.O. Christian & Sons Co., Inc. |
10,560 |
$74,259 |
$ 21,120 |
Davidson |
Check Velocity |
24,960 |
$172,159 |
$49,920 |
Davidson |
Dairy Queen 19142 |
27,450 |
$219,450 |
$54,900 |
Davidson |
Double A Development, LLC |
29,700 |
$172,159 |
$59,400 |
Davidson |
Enterprise Electric, LLC |
29,900 |
$187,300 |
$59,800 |
Davidson |
Hendrix & Darling, LLC |
29,568 |
$191,750 |
$59,136 |
Davidson |
K & N Office Limited Partnership (x2) |
55,400 |
$360,360 |
$108,900 |
Davidson |
Nashville Veterinary Specialists |
29,600 |
$ 200,000 |
$59,200 |
Davidson |
Richland Animal Clinic |
16,920 |
$126,900 |
$33,840 |
Davidson |
Signs Now Nashville |
21,960 |
$142,740 |
$ 43,920 |
Davidson |
Steve's Inc. |
12,220 |
$75,764 |
$24,440 |
Davidson |
TAT Holdings, LLC |
29,700 |
$172,159 |
$59,400 |
Davidson |
The 4-J L.P. |
198,016 |
$1,287,104 |
$243,016 |
Davidson |
Walnut Trace Farm, LLC |
23,520 |
$138,240 |
$47,040 |
Davidson |
Milan Compress |
28,200 |
$187,500 |
$56,400 |
Gibson |
Chucky Creek Farms |
10,000 |
$ 57,750 |
$20,000 |
Greene |
Randall Walker Farms |
33,600 |
$209,500 |
$65,400 |
Grundy |
McFarland Pharmacy & Apothecary |
29,610 |
$187,500 |
$59,220 |
Hamblen |
350 Corporate Place LLC |
197,400 |
$1,042,000 |
$242,400 |
Hamilton |
6301 Enterprise Park Drive LLC |
197,400 |
$1,042,000 |
$242,400 |
Hamilton |
650 Wauhatchie Pike LLC |
197,400 |
$1,042,000 |
$242,400 |
Hamilton |
900 Wauhatchie Pike LLC |
197,400 |
$1,042,000 |
$242,400 |
Hamilton |
960 Wauhatchie Pike LLC |
197,400 |
$1,042,000 |
$242,400 |
Hamilton |
Advanced Technical Ceramics Co. |
59,220 |
$290,672 |
$103,830 |
Hamilton |
Lesco Services of TN |
28,200 |
$161,022 |
$56,400 |
Hamilton |
Riverview Animal Hospital |
40,000 |
$175,625 |
$75,000 |
Hamilton |
SouthEastern Sales, Inc. |
28,200 |
$176,306 |
$56,400 |
Hamilton |
Top Flight Inc. |
197,400 |
$1,042,000 |
$242,400 |
Hamilton |
Wrigley Manufacturing Co, LLC |
50,400 |
$267,000 |
$90,600 |
Hamilton |
Nic & Peggy Korn |
13,160 |
$89,790 |
$26,320 |
Haywood |
Cedar Run Farms |
31,020 |
$162,346 |
$61,530 |
Hickman |
Dabbs Mini Storage |
21,600 |
$114,480 |
$ 43,200 |
Hickman |
9040 Associates |
102,960 |
$669,240 |
$147,960 |
Knox |
Concord Marina of Knoxville, LLC |
197,400 |
$890,260 |
$242,400 |
Knox |
Copper Cellar Corporation (x2) |
55,695 |
$317,772 |
$111,390 |
Knox |
HPT Realty Partners, LLC |
56,400 |
$400,440 |
$ 99,600 |
Knox |
K & N Office Limited Partnership (x2) |
103,680 |
$673,920 |
$185,520 |
Knox |
Oakes Daylilies |
28,200 |
$180,068 |
$56,400 |
Knox |
Oakes Farm, LLC |
33,840 |
$187,500 |
$65,760 |
Knox |
Pellissippi South, LLC |
56,400 |
$400,440 |
$99,600 |
Knox |
Pioneer Heating and Air |
23,520 |
$145,000 |
$47,040 |
Knox |
Royal Brass & Hose |
30,550 |
$187,500 |
$60,825 |
Knox |
Two Lakeside Realty, LLC |
56,400 |
$400,440 |
$99,600 |
Knox |
Mail Order Catalog, LLC |
59,520 |
$312,000 |
$104,280 |
Lewis |
SE International |
17,280 |
$116,928 |
$34,560 |
Lewis |
Hollow Ridge Farms (x2) |
58,880 |
$358,906 |
$117,760 |
Lincoln |
WCRV FARMS (x3) |
88,320 |
$538,359 |
$176,640 |
Lincoln |
Family Brands International, LLC |
29,610 |
$187,500 |
$59,220 |
Loudon |
Harrison Dairy, Inc. |
109,980 |
$599,500 |
$154,980 |
Loudon |
SECO Tools, Inc. |
29,610 |
$187,500 |
$59,220 |
Loudon |
Long Hungry Creek Farm |
7,200 |
$48,205 |
$14,400 |
Macon |
Dement Construction Comp., LLC |
37,600 |
$218,123 |
$71,400 |
Madison |
Sequatchie Cove Creamery |
28,435 |
$187,500 |
$56,870 |
Marion |
Alexanders Climate Controlled Storage |
59,280 |
$370,440 |
$103,920 |
Maury |
Citizens National Bank, Athens |
12,100 |
$75,000 |
$24,200 |
McMinn |
Ingram Rentals |
4,200 |
$23,825 |
$8,400 |
McMinn |
JimBob Contracting |
5,952 |
$26,851 |
$11,904 |
McMinn |
Madison Park Center |
20,160 |
$113,885 |
$40,320 |
McMinn |
Citizens National Bank, Madisonville |
24,300 |
$151,000 |
$48,600 |
Monroe |
Davis Brothers Dairy |
24,440 |
$199,500 |
$48,880 |
Monroe |
Tellico Bay Animal Hospital, LLC |
29,900 |
$185,000 |
$59,800 |
Monroe |
Tennessee Metal Products, LLC |
16,120 |
$69,500 |
$32,240 |
Monroe |
Ponderosa Fox Pen |
28,350 |
$154,944 |
$56,700 |
Polk |
J&S Construction Co., Inc. |
37,500 |
$199,500 |
$71,250 |
Putnam |
Stroud's Barbeque |
6,900 |
$45,700 |
$13,800 |
Putnam |
Consolidated Mill Supplies LLC |
65,520 |
$363,825 |
$110,520 |
Rutherford |
Delta Metals Co., Inc |
199,125 |
$1,350,000 |
$244,125 |
Shelby |
First Tennessee Bank |
36,660 |
$195,159 |
$69,990 |
Shelby |
GlaxoSmithKline |
200,000 |
$1,150,900 |
$245,000 |
Shelby |
Great Neck Saw |
200,000 |
$997,575 |
$245,000 |
Shelby |
Memphis Bioworks Foundation (x2) |
211,680 |
$1,256,700 |
$270,120 |
Shelby |
Sharp Manufacturing Company (x2) |
259,584 |
$1,180,271 |
$349,376 |
Shelby |
Shelby Electric Company, Inc. |
28,200 |
$209,327 |
$56,400 |
Shelby |
Butterfly Hollow LLC |
8,280 |
$66,241 |
$16,560 |
Smith |
Commerce Union Bank |
20,580 |
$155,050 |
$41,160 |
Sumner |
Dee Cee Labs (x2) |
117,760 |
$647,680 |
$206,640 |
Sumner |
H&H Design, Inc. |
34,560 |
$199,604 |
$66,840 |
Sumner |
Southeast Electric, Inc. |
29,440 |
$179,453 |
$58,880 |
Sumner |
Good Earth Energy |
16,560 |
$107,640 |
$33,120 |
Tipton |
Day Lily Nursery (x2) |
63,200 |
$379,200 |
$124,600 |
Warren |
Bike Shop Inc |
10,560 |
$59,450 |
$21,120 |
Washington |
Nelson Fine Art Center |
20,130 |
$130,845 |
$40,260 |
Washington |
GroWild, Inc. |
25,380 |
$184,005 |
$50,760 |
Williamson |
Flash Technology |
29,400 |
$187,427 |
$58,800 |
Williamson |
Stroud's Barbeque |
8,280 |
$54,200 |
$16,560 |
Williamson |
Travelers Rest Dressage LLC |
29,568 |
$192,192 |
$59,136 |
Williamson |
Zike Springs LLC |
29,280 |
$212,000 |
$58,560 |
Williamson |
Custom Packaging, Inc |
98,700 |
$493,500 |
$143,700 |
Wilson |
Permobil Inc |
59,780 |
$403,530 |
$104,670 |
Wilson |
Stroud's Barbeque |
5,060 |
$34,500 |
$10,120 |
Wilson |
Round 2:
| Applicant | System Size (DC Watts) | System Cost | Grant Amount | County |
| J Folz & Associates | 27,840 | $188,822 | $55,680 | Shelby |
| Rubley Family Limited Partnership | 33,600 | $209,500 | $65,400 | Warren |
| Adman Electric | 59,800 | $270,393 | $104,700 | Hamilton |
| The Chattanooga Choo Choo | 59,800 | $280,819 | $104,700 | Hamilton |
| Mallory Station Group | 60,000 | $287,280 | $105,000 | Williamson |
| The Bailey Co., Inc. | 60,000 | $304,128 | $105,000 | Davidson |
| Bradley Farms | 57,960 | $362,250 | $101,940 | Lincoln |
| Jerry & Rebecca Wood | 33,800 | $194,544 | $65,700 | Cumberland |
| Mallory Station Group | 60,000 | $287,280 | $105,000 | Davidson |
| Larry Simmons | 57,960 | $362,250 | $101,940 | Lincoln |
| James R. Jarrell | 57,960 | $362,250 | $101,940 | Bedford |
| Tristate Armature & Elect Wks | 28,800 | $146,350 | $57,600 | Shelby |
| Huntland Grocery Co., Inc. | 57,960 | $362,250 | $101,940 | Franklin |
| HTI Memorial Hospital Corporation | 59,800 | $299,000 | $104,700 | Davidson |
| The Factory at Franklin, GP | 59,800 | $299,000 | $104,700 | Williamson |
| Goodwill Industries of Middle TN | 59,800 | $283,049 | $104,700 | Davidson |
| Soulat Kayasith | 57,960 | $362,250 | $101,940 | Marshall |
Top
West Tennessee Solar Farm
 |
| Proposed rendering of the West Tennessee Solar Farm in Brownsville. |
Additionally, Tennessee will use its Recovery Act funds to establish the West Tennessee Solar Farm, a five-megawatt solar array in Haywood County, Tennessee. The Solar Farm will serve as a demonstration site for educational purposes for the public and students to learn about the benefits of renewable energy. It also will be a showcase for a range of commercially available solar techniques and technologies. This program will be primarily administered by UT. Under a preliminary agreement, the federal Tennessee Valley Authority will purchase power generated by the Farm at a renewable energy price.
The farm, to be located at a site along Interstate 40, will be Tennessee’s largest solar installation and one of the largest in the Southeast. Demonstrating the zero-carbon production of electricity on a highly visible and significant scale is expected to encourage future renewable-energy interest and investments.
As part of revised plans, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will control the property for the farm in order to develop a pull-through interstate welcome center that will serve as an educational site for the public and students to learn about renewable energy. In addition to its education mission, the farm will serve as a showcase for Tennessee-made solar products and components. Land acquisition and construction will be funded outside the Recovery Act.
The Solar Farm went through an environmental review for federally funded projects under the National Energy Divison Act (NEPA). The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) completed its environmental review and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on Feb. 2, 2011, which means the project complies with all applicable federal regulations for environmental protection. The finding allows site preparation and installation to begin on the five-megawatt solar array.
KEY EVENTS - 2011 | 2010 | 2009
August 11 - 12, 2011- TSI is offering free solar photovoltaic code compliance courses in Nashville. These workshops will provide building officials, contractors and utility representatives with the basic background needed to properly inspect the PV system installations they will encounter. For more information, click here.
August 9 -10, 2011 - The 2011 Tennessee Valley Solar Solutions Conference will be held at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. For two days, national, regional and state leaders will gather to share technology innovations and development solutions for the deployment of solar – a clean energy generation. For more information, click here.
April 11-16, 2011 - TSI offering a free training course on the basics of Solar Installation and Photovoltaic (PV) Technology in Spring Hill, TN. For more information, click here.
March 29, 2011 - ECD Recovery Act Compliance workshop in Nashville at the Tennessee Tower, Davidson Room (312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., Third Floor) for SEP Grantees to address grant management, reporting, processes, monitoring, and financial management. The morning session of the workshops (8:30 – 12 pm) will be open to all SEP Grantees and Subcontractors under the program. The afternoon session is open to all Solar Innovation Grantees and Subcontractors (1 – 4:30 pm). Read more. View the presentation here.
March 28, 2011 -TSI announced $7.27 million in round two of the Solar Innovation Grants.
March 24, 2011 - ECD Recovery Act Compliance workshop in Memphis at Sharp Manufacturing (4010 South Mendenhall Road) for SEP Grantees to address grant management, reporting, processes, monitoring, and financial management. The morning session of the workshops (8:30 – 12 pm) will be open to all SEP Grantees and Subcontractors under the program. The afternoon session is open to all Solar Innovation Grantees and Subcontractors (1 – 4:30 pm). Read more. View the presentation here.
March 21, 2011 - ECD Recovery Act Compliance workshop in Knoxville at the University Center (1502 West Cumberland Ave.) for SEP Grantees to address grant management, reporting, processes, monitoring, and financial management. The morning session of the workshops (8:30 – 12 pm) will be open to all SEP Grantees and Subcontractors under the program. The afternoon session is open to all Solar Innovation Grantees and Subcontractors (1 – 4:30 pm). Read more. View the presentation here.
Feb. 2, 2011 - DOE issues a Finding of No Significant Impact on the West Tennessee Solar Farm, meaning the project complies with all applicable federal regulations for environmental protection. Click here to read the press release.
Jan. 24 - 29, 2011 - TSI offers Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology Training Course in Memphis, TN. For more information, click here.
 |
| Scene from one of the Tennessee Solar Institute's Training Courses. |
Jan. 20, 2011 - Deadline for second round of Solar Innovation Grant applications.
Jan. 6, 2011 - Solar Innovation Grant workshop held in Knoxville.
Jan. 5, 2011 - Solar Innovation Grant workshop held in Nashville.
Dec. 22, 2010 - Solar Innovation Grant workshop held in Memphis. Click here to view presentation.
Dec. 10, 2010 - TSI now accepting grant applications for second round of Solar Innovation Grants. For more information, click here.
Dec. 8, 2010 – The Tennessee Solar Institute (TSI) announced a commitment of over seven million dollars in Solar Innovation Grants to fund 37 projects throughout the state to spur growth in the state’s emerging solar value chain. A total of 21 Tennessee businesses, representing eight of the nine U.S. congressional districts in the state, were awarded grants.
Nov. 1-6, 2011 - TSI offers free Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology Training Course in Spring Hill, TN. Click here for flyer.
Oct. 11-16 - TSI offers free Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology Training Course in Jackson, TN. Click here for flyer.
Oct. 5, 2010 - West Tennessee Solar Farm Draft Environmental Assessment Public Meeting at the Haywood County Courthouse at 7 p.m. Click here to download the presentation.
 |
| West Tennessee Solar Farm Draft Environmental Assessment Public Meeting at the Haywood County Courthouse on Oct. 5, 2010. |
Spet. 27, 2010 - The Tennessee Solar Institute announces it has fully committed more than $9 million in Solar Installation grants to fund 108 projects valued at more than $33 million.
Sept. 24, 2010 - Deadline for Tennessee businesses to apply for first round of Solar Innovation Grants through the Tennessee Solar Institute.
Sept. 20-25 - TSI offers free Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology Training Course in Knoxville, TN.
Sept. 20-Oct. 22, 2010 - Official comment period on the West Tennessee Solar Farm draft Environmental Assessment. Click here to find out how to submit your comments.
Sept. 20, 2010 - DOE releases the draft Environmental Assessment for the West Tennessee Solar Farm. Click here to view.
Aug. 24, 2010 - Tennessee Solar Institute (TSI) announced it is seeking grant applications for $14.5 million in incentives for solar innovation projects that encourage the development of Tennessee’s solar industry. The Solar Innovation Grant Program is the second grant opportunity available through the $23.5 million Solar Opportunity Fund.
Aug. 13, 2010 - Tennessee Solar Institute announced $4.5 million in Solar Installation grants awarded, just seven weeks after the Institute began accepting applications. Sixty-five grants make up the first round of award recipients, which is anticipated to produce 2.8 megawatts of new solar energy in Tennessee. Award recipients span across the state with grant funds ranging from $14,400 to $245,000.
July 8, 2010 - Signal Energy named design/build contractor for the West Tennessee Solar Farm. Read more.
2009
Dec. 4, 2009 -
Deadline for comments in writing regarding the West Tennessee Solar Farm to be incorporated into the draft Environmental Assessment. To submit comments, please contact:
Tameeka Jones
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
10th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 1-800-342-1340
Email: ecd.energypolicy@tn.gov
Please Note: There will be an additional period for public review and input after the draft Environmental Assessment is released in 2010.
 |
| Energy Divison Director Ryan Gooch at the Nov. 19, 2009 scoping meeting. |
Nov. 19, 2009 - Scoping meeting for the West Tennessee Solar Farm Environmental Assessment in Haywood County; 6:30 p.m.; Haywood County Courthouse, 1 N. Washington, Brownsville, TN 38012. Click here to read more. Click here to view the PowerPoint presentation.
Sept. 15, 2009 - Governor Bredesen announces that DOE has approved funding for the Volunteer State Solar Initiative. Click here to read the press release. Click here to view the final application Tennessee submitted to DOE.
May 13, 2009 – Governor Bredesen holds press conference detailing proposed plans for SEP funds.
May 12, 2009 – Tennessee submits proposed plans for SEP dollars to DOE for approval.
March 23, 2009 – Tennessee submits initial application for ARRA funds to DOE with an assurance letter from Governor Bredesen to DOE Secretary Steven Chu. Click here to view the Governor’s letter.
March 12, 2009 – U.S. Government releases SEP funding information. Click here to read more.
For more information please call the State of Tennessee Energy Divison Office at (800) 342-1340 or (615) 741-2994.
RECOVERY ACT AND STATE ENERGY PROGRAM RESOURCES
Required Posters
Other Resources
ECD Recovery Act Compliance Workshop Presentation
SEP Subgrant Contract Flow down language
Programmatic Agreement for Section 106 Compliance
Section 106 Compliance Power Point Presentation
Solar Installation Grant Monitoring Assessment Form
General information on the Department of Energy’s State Energy Program
State Energy Program Regulations (10 CFR 420) can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations
White House Office of Management and Budget Circulars
Department of Energy Technical Assistance Website
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