Music City Solar Community Solar Program

Nashville’s first community solar project provides access to clean, renewable energy for all Nashville Electric Services (NES) rate payers. The 2 MW project, sited on a closed landfill, provides customers with a subscription to and credit from panels at the 2 MW site. Community solar also improves access to renewable energy for low- and moderate-income residents through the Solar Angels program, in which a tax-deductible donation can be made to assist low-income customers. Music City Solar aligns with Nashville’s commitment to sustainability through the goals of Livable Nashville.

Overview

Wilmot guided NES through the process of selecting a location, developing the project, assessing vendors, and submitting a solar energy application to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Distributed Solar Solutions Program. The team also created financial and community solar business models to provide NES with clear guidelines for operation and a vision for the future. Social equity was considered in the project by incorporating the Solar Angels program. Wilmot led a team effort, with partners including the TN Department of Environment and Conservation, local council members, Nashville Metro Public Works, NES, TVA, the Mayor’s Office, the Livable Nashville committee, and a local public relations firm. Construction of the solar farm allowed for the beneficial reuse of a brownfield site north of Nashville that was formerly used as a landfill.

Wilmot’s Role

  • Beneficial reuse of a closed landfill

  • Provides access to solar energy for all NES rate payers

  • Over $4M in social and environmental benefits

Results

Location

Nashville, TN

Markets

Energy/Renewables

Services

Feasibility Study

Site Selection

Financial Modeling

Preliminary Design

RFP Writing