News: Solar workshops for Businesses, CPA firm goes Solar, TVA program opens Jan 13

January 2016 Newsletter

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TVA solar program opens Jan 13 and is first-come, first-served

TVA's small-scale solar program for businesses and homeowners, Green Power Providers, opens next week. For 2016 projects, TVA will buy 100% of solar generation at the escalating retail rate for the next 20 years. As electric rates rise, solar will become even more valuable.

Upcoming Solar Workshops for Businesses

Our workshops cover everything business owners want to know about going solar. We explain the financial benefits and show you how to finance a solar project to see a payback on your upfront investment in less than 2 years.

Bring your electric bill, and we'll provide your preliminary estimate at the event!

Solar Workshop in Cleveland on Thurs, Jan 21

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Museum Center at 5ive Points

Cleveland, TN

Solar Workshop in Columbia on Fri, Jan 29

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Maury County Public Library

Columbia, TN

Solar Workshop in Murfreesboro on Wed, Feb 17

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Rutherford Chamber of Commerce
Murfreesboro, TN

Small Business Solar Spotlight: Janney & Associates CPAs

Last week we finished a 24kW rooftop solar system for Janney & Associates, CPAs in Smithville, TN. Business owner Tom Janney became interested in solar after seeing how pleased his client was with their solar system's performance and tax benefits. A few months later (after getting our newsletter!) Tom decided it was time to see if solar would work well for his business.

Luckily, Tom has an open, flat roof and no shade. He obtained a loan from BB&T for about 70% of the system cost. This spring he will receive his 30% tax credit and first year accelerated depreciation which will cover his out of pocket outlay. Solar generation and accelerated depreciation will more than cover his loan payments over the 10 year term. In addition, he will receive a 25% USDA REAP grant which will help him pay off the loan even faster. His loan terms include no pre-pay penalties.

"I had a very smooth experience working with BB&T," Tom says. "In a couple of months, I will recoup my capital expense, and my business will have a new revenue stream for the next 25 years at least," he says.