When asked what he would tell other business owners who are thinking about investing in solar, Deutschmann says, "Get it done now - the cost of solar is down enough that there is a good business case to be made."

Deutschmann financed the project with a loan from local, non-profit lender Pathway Lending. Pathway Lending offers low interest rates for energy efficiency and solar projects in Tennessee.

He also believes the installation of solar equipment is a good thing when it comes to reselling property. 

"Anything that reduces the maintenance cost of a home or business relative to other homes or businesses results in increased value versus the competition," explains Deutschmann.

LightWave Solar and Nashville Electric Service commissioned the system on February 28. Over 25 years (the solar panel warranty term), the 33 kW solar array will offset about 700 tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of planting 610 acres of trees.