Project Focus: Largest solar PV array in Tennessee plugged into grid

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What’s being called the largest solar power system in Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority region has been inaugurated. The 1MW site, featuring thousands of Sharp crystalline-silicon modules, is located in Knoxville and was developed, designed, and constructed by Natural Energy Group and its integrator unit, Efficient Energy of Tennessee, which will also maintain the facility.

Construction on the system began in May and was finished in July. The 4608-module PV OParray is expected to generate 1,199MWh of solar energy annually for the Knoxville Utility Board grid.

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An existing building on the site will be converted to an education center that will include displays of real-time production data, design and installation information, mounting displays, and other educational items for public viewing.

Details on the costs or financing of the system were not disclosed.

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