Tennessee Missing Out on Growing Solar Industry

Tennessee is missing out in the growing solar industry while its neighboring states are capitalizing on it. Recent policy shifts are impacting the ability of consumers in the state to install solar in their homes. Specifically the TVA has lowered the rate it pays for solar power produced through the Green Power Providers Program and locked them in for 20 years. The program was designed to encourage growth of solar among consumers. The agency produced 382 megawatts of solar energy last year compared to almost 3000 by Duke Energy in North Carolina. The advocacy group Solar Power Rocks gives Tennessee a “D” grade for its current solar policies – ranking in 40th in the country.