Workshop teaches ins, outs of solar electricity
August 13, 2014 – Staff report for Tennessean
Rising energy costs and other financial incentives are prompting a growing number of Middle Tennesseans to investigate solar as a long-term alternative energy source.
To help homeowners learn more about the basics of solar energy, LightWave Solar will host an education workshop 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Green Village Sustainability Center, 173 Center Point Road S. in Hendersonville.
The Solar 101 workshop is geared toward residential solar and will explain solar energy basics including technology and site requirements, utility and tax incentives, and costs and benefits.
Hendersonville homeowners Jim and Anne Koepke added 30 solar panels to their roof almost two years ago. Their 7.2-kilowatt system covers more than 100 percent of their annual electric costs.
“We invested in solar because sunlight is clean, renewable and free,” says Jim Koepke. “Since we are retired on a fixed income, it’s nice not to have to worry about the cost of power or an increase in rates; it offers a little peace of mind and a good return on our investment.”
As part of TVA’s Green Power Providers program, Nashville Electric Service buys all of their solar electricity at a premium.
The solar workshop is free and open to the public. To register, call 615-641-4050 or e-mail [email protected].
