Knox County Honored as 2016 TenneSEIA Solar Champion

The Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association (TenneSEIA), awarded the 2016 Solar Champion Award yesterday to Knox County, at the reception following the organization’s annual meeting at the Bradley, Arant, Boult Cummings, LLP office in Nashville.

“TenneSEIA is proud to present our Solar Champion Award to Knox County for its leadership in solar within the local government community” said TenneSEIA Vice President Steve Johnson. “Knox County is a leader within government organizations in furthering the advancement of solar penetration in the state and ‘moving the needle’ in terms of innovative solar project models that benefit the school system and taxpayers.”

“Our solar project is fiscally responsible, saves taxpayer money and makes good business sense for our entire community,” said Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. “This project will pay for itself and reduce utility costs, which means it’s good for our taxpayers and the environment.”

TenneSEIA has been working closely with TVA, Local Power Companies (LPCs), local government officials, and solar stakeholders since the industry association incorporated in 2010. Local governments are integral to solar development in the Valley, as they own and operate a sizeable portfolio of buildings that that often could benefit from deploying solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.  Over the past year, Knox County has interconnected over 5 Megawatts (MW) of solar energy capacity across a portfolio of 15 buildings, including 11 schools and the Knox County Central Office.

Knox County’s forward thinking management, dedication, and leadership coupled with their commitment to serve the needs and priorities of all its constituents has provided a model for other government organizations to replicate throughout the State of Tennessee.

About TenneSEIA

TenneSEIA is the state chapter for the national Solar Energy Industries Association, and represents the interests of the solar energy industry in Tennessee. The mission of TenneSEIA is to make solar energy a mainstream energy source and realize the full potential of the solar industry in Tennessee. The Association serves as the primary advocacy group for the solar industry in Tennessee.

For more information about TenneSEIA, please visit http://www.tenneseiasolar.com/