Client

  • Natural Energy Group logo

    Natural Energy Group 813 Andrew Johnson Highway Knoxville, TN 37871

    Case Study

    Natural Energy Group case study image

    1 MW solar photovoltaic installation

    • The Solution

      System
      • The largest Solar PV System in the state of Tennessee
      • 4,608 SHARP modules manufactured in the State of Tennessee
      Size of 4608 modules is 1.3 times the size of a football field including end zones
      • PV Powered PVP 260kw-480-LV Inverters (Made in Bend, Oregon)
      • System brings federal ARRA funding to the state of TN
      • The economic analysis prepared by Dr. Martin of Pellissippi State Community College indicates that the Solar PV installation had an impact on 765 jobs.
      • Installation is part of Governor Bredesen’s Legacy
      • Meets/exceeds Knoxville’s Solar America City program objectives
      o Exceeds goal of 300kW installed in Knoxville by 2010
      • Contributes to the Oak Ridge Energy Corridor goal of 10MW by the Year 2030
      • Supports and Implements the goals of the Volunteer State Solar Initiative
      o West Tennessee Solar Farm
      o Tennessee Solar Institute
      • Meets major solar manufacturers’ goals of deploying solar within the state
      • 1st major link between solar manufacturer and installer within the State
      o SHARP’s 2,000,000th panel will be installed at 1MW site (1,000,000 watts)
      • Contributes to Tennessee Valley Authority’s Renewable Energy Portfolio
      o Reduces need to purchase power from out of state
      o Creates jobs in state
      o Contributes to sustainable source of energy in the valley
      • Increases Energy Independence
      • Builds/Strengthens Tennessee’s Economy, transforming TN’s economy into “clean energy economy”
      • Solar Education Center on-site to be used by all age groups/educational institutions (University of Tennessee, Pellissippi State Community College, elementary level, etc.)
      • A system size of 1000kW / 1MW, with an estimated annual production of 1,400,000 kWh, the carbon offset savings every year is:
      o Carbon Offset
       C02 emissions from 96,853 gallons of gas consumed.
       C02 emissions from 2,002 barrels of oil consumed.
       C02 emissions from the electricity use of 104 homes.
       C02 emissions from the energy use of 73.3 homes
       Carbon sequestered from 184 acres of pine forest
       Greenhouse gas emissions avoided by recycling 290 tons of waste instead of sending it to the landfill
      • Average home consumes 10,000 kWh/year. That means this is system would produce enough electricity to power 120 families.
      • FACT: One gas mower running for an hour emits the same amount of pollutants as eight new cars driving 55 mph for the same amount of time, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists
      • FACT: Americans burn 800 million gallons of gas each year trimming their grassy yards, according to the EPA
      Links
      • Efficient Energy of Tennessee: http://www.eetenn.com/
      • GoSolar.Ning.Com: http://gosolar.ning.com/
      • Flickr – MW install Photo’s
      o http://www.flickr.com/photos/46609474@N06/sets/72157624079958607/
      • PR Site: http://www.pr.com/company-profile/overview/128409