LightWave Solar Insider
September 2017 Newsletter
Cellar 53 Winery: Local Grapes, Wine & Energy
solar at Cellar 53 Winery
19kW at Cellar 53 Winery
Rebecca and Scott Paschal of Cellar 53 Winery in Brush Creek, Tennessee, have been growing grapes since 2005. That's when they bought 100 acres of multi-generational family farm land to save it from becoming a subdivision. The Paschals set out to sell grapes to Tennessee wineries and did not intend to start their own winery, but that is where the market took them. In 2014 they kept their first crop to make wine. Since then they have operated a small boutique winery, offering 10 different wines from 100% Tennessee grapes and berries, most of it grown on their 8 acre farm or by other Tennessee farmers.

Keeping it local is important to Cellar 53 Winery. They want to offer a truly Tennessee wine where the grapes are hand-picked right out of the surrounding vineyards. This "keep it local" philosophy is part of what steered the Paschals towards solar energy.

"We are trying to make our operation more self-sustaining," says Rebecca Paschal. "One of our goals is to improve our environment and make as little impact as possible," she says.

The 19 kilowatt solar system consists of 60 solar panels and will cover 100% of annual electricity costs at their sales and production facility. The solar system participates in TVA's 2017 Green Power providers program. 

To help pay upfront project costs, the Paschals worked with a solar loan specialist at BB&T. BB&T has funded many solar projects, so they understand the value of solar and have made the application process as simple as possible. Because of the loan, the solar project will be cash flow positive in less than one year. 

Over the next 20 years, LightWave Solar estimates the system will generate nearly $80,000 in solar revenue! Taking into account project costs, federal tax incentives, the USDA grant, and loan interest, the net income will be about $60,000.

The long term viability of their farm and winery is especially important to the Paschals since they plan to pass it on to their son, Dalton, who just started in MTSU's Fermentation Science Program. 

Click here to read more, including info on Cellar 53 Winery's After Harvest Party!
Attend a Solar Workshop
LightWave Solar installation
Learn more about adding solar to your home or business! We will cover affordable loan options, including our $0 down loan for homeowners with no payments and no interest for 24 months! Plus, learn how to get into TVA's 2017 solar program before it closes later this year.
Saturday, September 16 
10:00am-12:00pm 
Eastwood Christian Church
Delvin Farms Solar
Join us at solar-powered Delvin Farms! We will cover the costs and financial incentives for commercial solar systems. Commercial projects in TVA's 2017 solar program can be cash flow positive in the first year with a solar loan. Talk with Hank Delvin and see his solar in action!
Wednesday, September 20
10:00am-11:30am 
Farm Store at Delvin Farms  (located across the street from Arrington Vineyards)
Reserve capacity in TVA's 2017 solar program
TVA's 2017 Green Power Providers program application deadline  is December 15, 2017.  Once in the program,  TVA pays residential & commercial solar system owners the full retail rate for 100% of solar electricity for 20 years. 

Unfortunately, TVA has indicated that the 2018 program might not be as lucrative. For projects in next year's program, TVA could lower the reimbursement for solar electricity to below the retail rate.  Since 2018 details are unknown, we encourage you to contact us to apply for this year's program.  

If you would like to tell TVA to support more solar, please sign the petition from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE)!
USDA Solar Grant: Application deadline 10/31/17
USDA REAP Grants for Solar
Now is the time to apply for a USDA REAP grant, and LightWave Solar can help you! We have a 98% grant application approval record for our customers.

For the upcoming funding round this fall, the grant amount equals 25% of total solar project costs up to $20,000.  

Eligible grant applicants include small businesses in rural areas (under 50,000 people and outside metro areas) OR farmers who earn over 50% of their income from farming (farms can be in any area). 

Grant deadline is October 31, 2017. Please contact us to determine your eligibility and to discuss your project.
See you there...
TN Lands Celebration this Sat, Sept 9
LightWave Solar is sponsoring this family friendly event presented by TN Parks & Greenways. Come out to enjoy horseback riding, hayrides, hikes, music, wildlife programs, conservation education and more! 

Open Streets Nashville on Sun, Sept 17
On this day, 2.5 miles of 12th Ave South will be temporarily closed to cars  to activate people, strengthen businesses and inspire public spaces. Stop by LightWave Solar's booth in the Kids Zone and say hello!

Clarksville Dept. of Electricity's Customer Expo on Sat, Sept 30
Live in Clarksville? CDE is hosting a customer appreciation day with free food, kids entertainment, educational exhibits & speakers, including LightWave Solar!
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