Music City Solar Community Solar Program
Wilmot helped make Nashville’s first community solar project a reality, providing access to solar energy for Nashville Electric Service rate payers.
Overview
Nashville’s first community solar project provides access to clean, renewable energy for all 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.
Wilmot Role
Wilmot guided NES through the process of selecting a location, developing the project, assessing vendors, and submitting a solar energy application to TVA’s 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 TDEC, local council members, Metro Public Works, NES, TVA, the Mayor’s Office, the Livable Nashville committee, and a local public relations firm. Construction of the solar farm was completed in 2019, allowing for the beneficial reuse of a brownfield site north of Nashville that was formerly used as a landfill.
Results
Beneficial reuse of a closed landfill
Provides access to solar energy for all NES rate payers
Over $4M in social and environmental benefits
QUICK FACTS:
Client:
Nashville Electric Service
Location:
Nashville, TN
Markets:
Energy / Renewables
Services:
Feasibility study
Site selection
Financial modeling
Preliminary design
RFP writing
