Solar Companies Look For Commitment from Utility

The Tennessee Valley Authority’s current clean energy strategies could make it difficult to attract more solar energy companies to Tennessee.

The utility’s plans for shifting to more clean and renewable power primarily focus on wind and nuclear technologies.

Meanwhile, state officials would like to make Tennessee the epicenter of America’s solar industry.

Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber says those companies would prefer to locate in places where utilities use solar power on a large scale.

“It’s fine to say you’re buying wind power from the Midwest because it’s inexpensive, but likewise, we’re shipping tens of millions of dollars to the Midwest that could be used toward investment in solar capacity in the TVA valley that will bring around economic development, jobs, and a commitment to sustainability.”

The TVA use some solar power, but it’s a relatively small part of the utility’s portfolio. Last year, TVA generated just under 750-thousand kilowatt hours using solar generators, compared to 51-million of wind power. Nuclear accounts for 66-hundred megawatts.