Spotlight on Solar + Storage System in Nashville
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When Ira Chilton decided to build an artist and design studio behind his home in Nashville, Tennessee, he had no doubt it would incorporate energy efficient and renewable energy technologies. Ira is co-founder, architect, and Chief Development Officer of ProjX, LLC, an architecture and project management firm based in Nashville that focuses on healthcare facilities across the country. ProjX, LLC understands how solar, geothermal and energy efficient design can significantly reduce a building’s operating costs and its environmental impact.
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Ira’s 750-square foot artist and design studio is well insulated, lit with LEDs, and has 14 rooftop solar panels. While it might be the smallest building in ProjX LLC’s portfolio, it claims a cool first achievement: The 5 kilowatt solar array is the first solar system in Nashville to connect to a lithium ion battery. Lithium ion batteries provide superior energy storage since they are smaller, require virtually no maintenance, and have 10 year warranties.
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“I am happy to be the first person in Nashville to incorporate the leading storage technology into our solar project,” Ira says. “Now we’ll have electricity available for work or for the family, no matter if there is a storm or outage,” he explains.
During the day, even on cloudy days, solar electricity feeds directly into the building’s load panel and one LG Chem battery. If the utility grid is working, the solar panels reduce the amount of electricity needed from the grid, lowering his utility bill. When the grid goes down, the solar plus battery system will power items in his critical loads panel, including a refrigerator, mini-split air-conditioning/heating unit, several outlets and lights.
“I am very satisfied with the installation,” Ira says. “LightWave was very responsive and coordinated well with the General Contractor and Nashville Electric Service,” he adds.
LightWave Solar has installed several solar + LG Chem battery systems, and we will begin to install Tesla Powerwall battery systems later this year, as Powerwalls have become more available.
Next month we will host a solar + storage system tour at the Teeter Residence in Clarksville, TN. Join us to see a solar and storage system in person and talk with the homeowner. Details are below!
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Solar + Storage System Tour on March 9
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LightWave Solar experts and Clarksville, Tennessee homeowner, Tom Teeter, invite you to see and understand the benefits of a solar + storage system. We will discuss costs and capabilities as well as site requirements and tax benefits. In fact, 2019 is the last year to claim the full 30% tax credit! The tax credit steps down to 26% in 2020.
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The Teeter Residence has two solar systems on site: a 5kW solar system that charges two batteries and lowers his electric bill, and a 15kW solar system that participates in TVA's Green Power Providers program. Join us to learn more about solar and battery storage and talk with the homeowner!
Sign up here
for our Solar + Storage System Tour on Saturday, March 9 at 10am at the Teeter Residence in Clarksville, TN. Explore Teeter's ground-mounted arrays (pictured), inverters, lithium ion batteries and more!
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2019 is the last year for the full 30% solar tax credit
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Currently, the federal tax credit for solar projects is equal to 30% of total project costs. Next year, the tax credit will step down to 26%. With this change, we anticipate a busy installation calendar, so let's get started on your project now.
If your home or facility will be under construction at the end of this year, we can help you meet criteria to claim the full 30% tax credit for a project completed in 2020.
If you would like to build a project and claim the full 30% tax credit, let us know! Reply to this email, or
complete our contact form if your project is brand new.
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USDA solar grant applications due April 1, 2019
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Do you run a business in a rural area? Are you an agricultural producer? If you answered yes to either question, you probably qualify for the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant. The grant covers up to 25% of solar project costs for rural businesses (
check rural eligibility map here) as well as for farmers in any location.
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The application deadline is April 1, 2019, so now is a great time to start the process. First, we will discuss your site's potential for solar as well as determine your grant eligibility. If you like our preliminary estimate, we will conduct a site visit and present your formal proposal. Once you decide to move ahead, our in-house grant writer will assemble your grant application and make the process as simple as possible!
Our USDA grant approval record is 98%, so reply to this email to get started with a free solar consultation. Please provide your name, project address, and phone number. Or call us at 615-641-4050.
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Where we've been installing...
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Metro Nashville Criminal Justice Center (50kW)
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TN Air National Guard in Smyrna, TN (15kW)
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Gear wall on barn in Indian Mound, TN (10kW)
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805 solar installations and counting...
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