Jackson Energy Authority has been awarded a two (2) megawatt solar generation project through the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Distributed Solar Solutions (DSS) pilot program.
This Solar Farm will be an Industrial Community Solar project located near McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport and the Airport Industrial Park.
“Sustainability is an important aspect of the industrial community’s culture,” said Jim Ferrell, President/CEO of the Jackson Energy Authority. “Jackson Energy Authority is proud to partner with TVA and Silicon Ranch Corporation in the development of this community solar project which will allow us to assist our local industrial community in meeting their corporate sustainability goals in a cost effective manner.”
Under the agreement, Nashville-based Silicon Ranch Corporation will fund, build, own, and operate the solar energy facility.
Silicon Ranch Corporation is the largest developer, owner, and operator of solar facilities based in the TVA service area and one of the largest independent solar power producers in the United States.
“This pilot program allows Local Power Companies to get into the renewable energy market,” said Bruce Dorris, Commercial Relations Manager at Jackson Energy Authority. “In the past, due to TVA contracts, local power companies have not had that option. This solar install will be the largest solar array on JEA’s power grid.”
Currently, Dorris said the largest solar system on JEA’s grid is a one (1) megawatt.
“This system will be a tracking system, which means it will track the path of the sun promoting more sun exposure and more generation for the same number of panels used,” Dorris said. “This solar grid, once completed and commissioned, will be 2 megawatts in size.”
Dorris added the average home in Tennessee uses 1,500 kilowatt hours per month.
“All power generated from this solar system will be purchased by TVA under a 20-year contract,” Dorris said. “JEA, under our agreement with Silicon Ranch and TVA will be issued all Green Energy Credits know as RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates).”
Dorris said JEA plans to sell these RECs to its local industrial community to aid them in meeting Federal Clean Air Standards.
“We have worked with local industries over the years and know this is an area they sometimes struggle to meet compliance,” Dorris said. “Currently there is a total of 12 commercial solar systems, five residential and one industrial system that operate under one of TVA renewable energy programs and is tied to JEA.
“This means the voltage generated is placed on JEA we then transport it to TVA.”
Planned construction should start in 2018 with the system coming online in late 2018 or early 2019.
(PHOTO: Bruce Dorris is the Commercial Relations Manager at Jackson Energy Authority)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalk1015/
