Tennessee Solar Incentives
Home to the country music capital of the world, Tennessee is full of historical significance and breathtaking beauty. Tennessee also joins South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and a very few others as one of the worst states for substantial solar incentive programs. Although it's not much, here is what the state has to offer.
Production Incentive
- TVA Green Power Switch Generation Partners Program. This incentive encourages both commercial and residential sectors to produce their own energy through solar equipment by purchasing the energy they produce and giving them a credit on their utility bills.
State Grant Program
- Tennessee Clean Energy Technology Grant. This incentive is only offered to commercial and industrial applications. It offers grants of up to 40% (maximum amount of $75,000) to businesses to help cover some of the cost of installing alternative energy systems including solar. It's unfortunate that this grant isn't yet available to residences, but at least it's a start.
State Loan Program
- Small Business Energy Loan Program. This loan program is intended to help facilitate small businesses to install alternative energy systems. Photovoltaic systems are included in the program. The terms are for 7 years, with interest rates of 0% for some, and 3% for others. The amounts vary by project with a maximum amount of $300,000.
Apart from these few incentives, there are a number of incentives and rebates offered by the local utility companies. So in conclusion, the list is short and not so sweet. Given, they do have a couple more programs than some of the other states, but there is much room for improvement. Petition your elected officials to get up to speed and to pay a little more attention to this issue so that Tennessee can preserve her natural resources and beauty for generations to come.
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