Renewable Energy
TVA Solar Power has Co-op Ties
A Tennessee cooperative has forged a connection between a new solar research facility and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The distribution lines of Chickasaw Electric Cooperative are weeks away from providing the federally owned power provider with a new source of renewable energy.
The West Tennessee Solar Farm is now connected to the TVA grid by Chickasaw E.C. distribution lines. (Photo By: University of Tennessee)
“The project was funded by a grant from the Department of Energy,” said John Collins, general manager of Chickasaw Electric Cooperative.
The Somerville-based cooperative upgraded seven miles of its distribution line and added two additional miles to connect the 4.5-megawatt West Tennessee Solar Farm to the regional power grid. The co-op’s Dancyville substation was also upgraded to accommodate the farm’s output.
“Chickasaw members will benefit from increased capacity and an upgraded substation,” Collins said. “These enhancements will improve reliability in that part of our service area.”
Work on the $31 million project began last spring after final environmental clearances were received. The interconnection was completed 11 weeks ahead of schedule, Collins said.
The 21,000 photovoltaic modules installed at the 200-acre site, managed by the Tennessee Solar Institute, are expected to produce up to 7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.
“We hope to begin generating clean solar power by the new year,” said David Millhorn, executive vice president of the University of Tennessee, a cosponsor of the institute.
Chickasaw Electric Cooperative employees upgraded distribution line between a substation and the West Tennessee Solar Farm. (Photo By: Chickasaw EC)
The facility will provide operational data for researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The location, adjacent to Interstate 40, will also be viewable from about 9 million vehicles expected to pass by the site each year.
TVA is buying the total output from the plant, which is expected to generate about $100,000 a month in revenue, officials said. The solar farm is considered a cornerstone of Tennessee’s efforts to develop solar technology.
“Chickasaw Electric has served as a valuable partner on the project,” said Molly Cripps, director, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Energy Division. “I am grateful for their hard work.”
Tags: Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Tennessee Valley Authority