In September, 2015, Hopkinsville Electric System (HES) flipped the switch on its newly constructed 16kW solar array and began producing electricity. The energy produced by the solar array is purchased by TVA and put onto the grid to be used by any customer on the grid. The HES solar array is expected to produce approximately 22,000 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough to power 2 small-sized homes.
Why produce solar energy?
Once a solar array is installed and operational, every time the sun shines, electricity is generated. This type of production of electricity does not involve the burning of any fuel and therefore produces no emissions. Most solar panels are guaranteed to last at least 25-30 years. Although solar array installation costs can vary, prices have been steadily coming down over the past few years. There are state and federal incentives for installing green energy sources, so the break even point for installing the system can be reached in 8-15 years, depending on the incentives available. Businesses can also utilize accelerated depreciation on their federal tax return.
Why do HES and TVA promote solar energy?
HES buys its power from TVA. TVA is a corporation owned by the federal government that produces and provides electricity for over 9 million people in seven states. As part of its ongoing mission to be a responsible energy producer, TVA seeks to add more clean energy power generation to its mix of power generation sources. Presently, TVA is seeking to purchase clean energy produced by wind, solar and biomass technologies through its Dispersed Power Production Program. As a TVA power distributor, HES has access to this TVA program and can work with HES business and residential customers interested in generating electricity using solar, wind or biomass technologies. For more information, call us at (270) 887-4200 or email us at: info@hop-electric.com.
