TENNESSEE SUN

Knoxville's solar grant aimed at education, demonstration
Larissa Brass, April 20, 2009 (Knoxville Business Journal)

"…Knoxville was tapped in 2008 by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of 25 Solar America Cities and is receiving $200,000 from DOE, a $100,000 grant from TVA and two years technical assistance.

"In additional to education and public awareness initiatives - including installation of a 4.8 kilowatt solar array at the new downtown transit center and an exhibit at Ijams Nature Center - the effort is targeting businesses interested in incorporating solar energy into their operation or getting into the industry themselves."

Tennessee has solar assets and, in times like these, assets matter. (click to enlarge)

"A recent workshop for local businesses drew 75 participants…[and] focused on the basics of solar, including federal and state incentives available to those interested in investing in photovoltaic panels…Future workshops will help train city and and county government inspectors how to properly examine solar installations. Another, sponsored by TVA, will look at research and development in the solar industry…

"A project still in the works is a residential solar demonstration site…The city is now talking with Knox Heritage about incorporating solar into the planned renovation of a Victorian home near the World's Fair Park.

"The solar city program is also working to help revamp historic guidelines so that solar could be a part of renovations…Other programs will focus on workforce and technical training, and helping the city improve its own carbon footprint through an energy efficiency audit, which is also looking at ways solar could be incorporated into government buildings…"