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Knoxville, TN
The City of Knoxville is working to substantially increase the utilization of solar power through the “Knoxville Solar Cities” program (the name of Knoxville’s Solar America Cities project). The initiative will build a sustainable solar infrastructure through a comprehensive, city-wide approach that facilitates mainstream adoption of solar power.
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Architectural drawing of the future Downtown Knoxville Transit Center, where a high-visibility PV array will be installed.
PV array at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville. On-site interpretation will be improved with funding from the Solar America Cities program.
The newest residential PV array in Knoxville, installed June 2008. The barn’s owner is a participant in the Tennessee Valley Authority and Knoxville Utilities Board’s Generation Partners Program.
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Activities
The Knoxville Solar Cities program builds on the city’s Energy & Sustainability Initiative, a set of existing partnerships between the city and local institutions aimed at reducing energy consumption and enhancing Knoxville’s overall sustainability. The city will leverage these partnerships to:- Increase the use of solar power
- Raise the visibility and public understanding of solar energy
- Reduce barriers to widespread solar adoption
- Build local capacity and technical expertise
- Serve as a model for other cities in the region.
- Install two highly visible solar systems in strategic locations:
- On the new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified downtown transit station
- On a near-zero energy home in the South Waterfront Redevelopment District.
- Integrate solar technology into affordable housing. The city will develop a solar thermal assessment protocol to evaluate the applicability of solar domestic hot water systems for low-income home rehabilitation projects.
- Reach a school-aged audience by enhancing interpretation at an existing solar installation at a local nature preserve and outdoor educational facility.
- Conduct workforce development training programs for solar installers, inspectors and codes officials. This will facilitate quality installations and safe and timely inspections and approvals.
- Survey employers in renewable energy and energy efficiency businesses in the Knoxville area to identify real and perceived business development hurdles.
- Promote existing incentives and resources available for solar deployment through the development of a “clearinghouse” Web site and other marketing efforts.
- Evaluate the need for additional financial incentives to catalyze the widespread penetration of solar technology into the local market, and assess the feasibility of meeting identified needs.
Partners
- City of Knoxville (Project Lead)
- Ijams Nature Center
- Knoxville Area Transit
- Knoxville Utilities Board
- Public Building Authority
- Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
- Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
- Tennessee Valley Authority
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