News Summary
Silicon Ranch plans to construct three new solar power plants in Blount County, Tennessee, to enhance local energy production and provide sustainable energy solutions. The project, approved by the Blount County Planning Commission, aims to generate approximately 10 megawatts of power, enough for around 1,000 households. The initiative is expected to lower electricity costs for residents while creating around 90 local construction jobs, with a focus on hiring veterans. Construction is set to begin soon, with completion anticipated in 2025.
Maryville, Tennessee – Silicon Ranch, a Nashville-based renewable energy company, is set to construct three new solar power plants in Blount County that aim to enhance local energy production and provide green energy solutions. The largest of these facilities will be established on a 126-acre site located at 3017 Sevierville Road. This ambitious project has received approval from the Blount County Planning Commission, paving the way for construction, which is expected to commence later this year and reach completion by the summer of 2025.
The three solar projects are anticipated to generate approximately 10 megawatts of power, enough to supply energy for around 1,000 households in the region. The electricity produced by these facilities will be utilized by Maryville Electric, potentially leading to lower electricity costs for local customers. In an effort to provide economic relief, Silicon Ranch has indicated that pricing for energy will be lower than the current wholesale rates paid by Maryville Electric.
The first solar farm, once operational, will be connected to Maryville’s distribution system and begin delivering energy immediately. Alongside the primary solar facility on Sevierville Road, the additional two solar farms are expected to cover about 25 acres each and will be located on property owned by the manufacturing company Denso. One of these smaller solar farms will be built within the city limits of Maryville, and the other is planned for Mint Road, where it is still awaiting approval from the planning commission.
This initiative is also poised to create job opportunities within the local community. Approximately 90 construction jobs will be generated throughout the development of the solar farms. Silicon Ranch has expressed a strong intention to hire locally, with a particular focus on employing veterans for these construction roles.
The creation of solar farms in East Tennessee, especially in Blount County, presents a unique set of challenges due to the region’s mountainous terrain. Despite these obstacles, the successful implementation of this project will mark a significant step forward in meeting local energy needs while advancing green energy initiatives in the area.
Silicon Ranch, founded in 2011 by former Tennessee political leaders including Phil Bredesen and Matt Kisber, has made notable progress in the renewable energy sector. This latest undertaking aligns with the company’s commitment to developing sustainable energy solutions and contributing to the overall environmental goals of the region.
As the construction begins and progresses, the cumulative impact of these three solar power plants is expected to resonate through the Blount County community. Not only will they support the local energy grid, but they will also foster job growth and help facilitate a transition to cleaner energy sources.
Residents and stakeholders are optimistic about the changes this project will bring, especially given the rising focus on renewable energy practices across the country. The collaboration between Silicon Ranch and local utilities reflects a broader trend toward local energy solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Blount County Solar Farms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Energy
- WATE: Solar Power Plants in Maryville
- Google Search: Maryville Tennessee Solar Energy
- The Intelligencer: Scooter’s Coffee in Maryville
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Development
- Spectrum Local News: Maryville University Redevelopment
- Google News: Maryville Affordable Housing
