91¶ÌÊÓƵ the Solar Farm
More than 25 acres contain a solar array of approximately 21,000 fixed-tilt, ground-mounted photovoltaic solar panels. Electricity generated is distributed through purchase agreements with local utility Chickasaw Electric Cooperative and 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Valley Authority.
The West 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Solar Farm and the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Solar Institute were made possible by a $62.5-million allocation of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Department of Economic and Community Development in 2009. The Volunteer State Solar Initiative is a comprehensive solar energy and economic development program focused on job creation, education, renewable power production and technology commercialization.
The 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Department of Economic and Community Development contracted with UT to oversee the creation and operation of the Solar Farm. Through the UT Research Foundation, the university is responsible for installation and operation of the power-generation facility. Signal Energy, LLC of Chattanooga, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ designed and built the Solar Farm array in 2011, with connection to the electrical grid in early 2012.
SPECTRUM: The West 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Solar Farm Exhibit
How to Begin
You will be able to start your SPECTRUM experience anywhere in the exhibit, but if you want to become a real solar genius, you may want to start in the center at the Illumination Station!
What You’ll See and Do
There are big things happening in advanced energy, particularly solar power. As you walk through SPECTRUM, ²â´Ç³Ü’l±ô see how we got here, what’s new, and where solar power is going in 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. Additionally, ²â´Ç³Ü’l±ô play games to understand the basics of solar energy.Ìý
What You’ll Learn
91¶ÌÊÓƵ solar power has something for everyone, and SPECTRUM is where you can get connected. As you experience SPECTRUM, you may find ways to make your home more energy efficient. Home and business owners will see ideas for bringing down electric costs with their own solar panels. Students may find an idea for a science-fair project or learn which area of science to study to be a part of the future of solar. Throughout SPECTRUM ²â´Ç³Ü’l±ô see links/QR codes to more information about all of these bright ideas and more.
The West 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Solar Farm SPECTRUM exhibit partners include:
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- West 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Solar Farm
- University of 91¶ÌÊÓƵ
The West 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Solar Farm and the SPECTRUM Educational Exhibit Partners and Providers
- Aries Solar
- Delta Heritage Center
- Lightwave Solar
- Silicon Ranch
- StrataG
- (solar panels)
- (UT Knoxville)
- (UT System)
- (UTIA)
- Volkswagen