hot new energy source for america's largest public utility

SDA provides design/build services for TVA solar program

Chattanooga's Finley Stadium features photovoltiacs in its shaded parking area

Location: Chattanooga, TN USA Client: Tennessee Valley Authority Use: Over a dozen PV installations including Museums Schools Nature Center Stadium

Background:
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), created in 1933, is the nation's largest public utility, serving Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia through distributor networks and local public power companies. The TVA's Green Power Switch program promotes renewable resources like solar power to produce electricity for the Tennessee Valley's service area. Starting in April of 2000, TVA has fielded multiple photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout its seven-state area.

Solar Design Associates acted as the lead solar designer for TVA's ambitious programs, from conception through construction:

• designing pavilion PV systems
• producing design and construction documents
• specifying system components
• providing construction oversight
• installing and commissioning several of the systems

Dollywood theme park features building-integrated photovoltaics at tram stops.Special Features:

• The Cumberland Science Museum in Nashville TN was the first solar system installed under the program.
• The Ijams Nature Center outside Knoxville TN has a series of arrays at ground level near the visitors' center, where an interactive exhibit helps explain the benefits of green power.
• The American Museum of Science & Energy (AMSE) in Oak Ridge, TN has both ground-mounted arrays and building-integrated sunshades, offering visitors a close-up look at just how solar power is harnessed.
• The Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, TN features ground-mounted solar pavilions, easing the electricity load of the Stadium while providing shaded parking for sports fans' tailgate parties.
• Gibson County High School in Dyer, TN one of three schools in TVA's territory with PV systems , features a solar covered walkway between the school's technical center and gym.
• The hands-on North Alabama Science Center's Sci-Quest exhibit features three solar pavilions with a total of 720 modules adjoining the museum.
• Solar power arrays at the Lovers Lane Soccer Complex in Bowling Green, KY showcase renewable energy sources to heighten public awareness. Four arrays, each with 240 PV modules, comprise a translucent overhead canopy, filtering the sun's rays and providing shade for soccer players and spectators.
• Cocke County High School in Newport, TN, and the Duffield Primary School in rural Scott County, VA both received similar solar shade systems.

Outcome:
There are now sixteen solar-powered TVA sites, working examples that not only generate power, but demonstrate mainstream uses of solar energy applications. The public observes and learns about renewable energy sources and is motivated to find out more. TVA plans to develop further applications of solar technology that will reinforce public awareness, and hopefully increase demand, resulting in proliferation of sustainable technology and lower energy costs.

SDA consults with public utilities on renewable energy program development and also provides turn-key services in renewable energy systems design and deployment.

We're knowledgeable in all sustainable-energy applications, particularly solar electric, solar thermal and wind power.
We are experienced in the arenas of large-scale project funding and regulatory compliance.

We are skilled in managing projects in their entirety, from planning through engineering, construction and commissioning.

Contact us for further information about SDA. We would be pleased to discuss your projects and to provide case examples and references.

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