Providing grid independence and resiliency: Spotlight on solar + Tesla Powerwall system in Cadiz, KY
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Jan and Ken Culwell of Cadiz, Kentucky, now supply the majority of their home’s electricity from 34 solar panels and two Tesla Powerwalls.
LightWave Solar installed the Powerwall system in early June, and the couple has seen their electric bills plummet. A bill comparison of July 2019 versus July 2018 shows a 73% drop in grid consumption.
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The system reduces their 3,000 square foot home’s grid reliance on a daily and nightly basis, and it also provides backup power. During a grid outage, the system provides electricity to one 200-amp service panel, allowing the Culwells to power their kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom, washer/dryer, EV charger, and internet, among other items.
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Last month, they experienced a brief grid outage, unbeknownst to them.
“The lights didn’t even flutter,” says Ken Culwell. “Our neighbor told us, so we checked our Tesla app and saw the grid failure and how our battery system took over automatically,” he says.
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The Culwells went with Tesla Powerwalls since they provide industry-leading backup capabilities and can be easily monitored with the Tesla app which tracks home energy use, solar generation, battery status, backup history and grid consumption.
“We look at the Tesla app embarrassingly often,” jokes Jan Culwell. “We love it, and since I can see our electricity use in real time, I’ve started to change the way I use power to reduce our demand and save more,” she says.
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The Tesla app shows energy usage, both real-time and historical, identifying the sources of a home's electricity (solar, Powerwall or grid).
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Tesla app shows Powerwall status (charging or discharging) and level of charge.
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Jan and Ken Culwell each thought solar was a good idea but assumed the other might not want to spend the money. When they finally discussed it, they realized they both wanted to power their home with clean, renewable solar power instead of using grid power.
Last August, the Culwells chose LightWave Solar to build a 10-kilowatt solar system on top of a ground canopy. Initially, the Culwells were selling their solar power to the local power company through TVA’s program, but several months later, the Culwells decided they wanted to use solar power in their home by adding battery storage which also replaced their generator.
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If you are interested in speaking with one of our project consultants about a solar + Tesla Powerwall system, please let us know!
Reply to this email with your name, address and phone number, and we will contact you to discuss your options.
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2019 TN Valley Solar Conference - Keynote Speakers announced
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On October 16, the Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association (TenneSEIA) hosts the TN Valley Solar Conference, bringing together local power companies, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and solar industry experts to discuss growing solar and energy storage opportunities in our region.
The event's keynote speakers are Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of the national Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and John Ryder, TVA Board of Directors member. Other speakers include:
- Chris Jones, President at Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation (MTEMC)
- David Callis, Vice President at Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA)
- Brian Solsbee, Executive Director at Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association (TMEPA)
Solar advocates, business leaders, municipalities, and local power companies are encouraged to attend. Attendees will discuss market trends, strategies and policies that impact the utilities and the solar industry.
Tennessee Valley Solar Conference
Wed, October 16 8AM-8PM
Embassy Suites by Hilton Cool Springs
Franklin, TN
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Solar Power World
ranks LightWave #59 on Top 100 Commercial Contractors List
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Solar Power World magazine recently released their 2019 list of Top Solar Contractors. LightWave Solar installed over 4.5 megawatts in 2018, putting us on the list at #157 among 415 solar companies nation-wide.
We also ranked #59 on the Top 100 Commercial Contractors list.
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Our 2018 clients include the following businesses in Tennessee:
- Dowdle Construction in Nashville
- Barnhart Crane in Memphis
- Cox Tractor in Kingsport
- Interstate Packaging in White Bluff
- Wilson Bank in Lebanon
- Arlington Climate Controlled Storage in Arlington
- Mallory Station Storage in Brentwood and Franklin
- Breeden's Orchard in Mt. Juliet
- Rhythm & Rhymes Childcare in Nashville
- Dirt Dawg Nursery in Watertown
- FedEx in Memphis
Big thanks to all of our clients who helped us earn Top Solar Contractor achievements!
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2019 Deadlines approaching: TVA program ends and Tax credit drops
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In the Tennessee Valley, TVA's Green Power Providers (GPP) program is the only viable way to sell all of your solar generation to the utility. Next year, TVA will not accept new GPP applications. Current GPP participants' 20-year agreements will not be affected; however, if you want to expand your existing system, 2019 is the last year to apply for an expansion!
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Currently, the federal tax credit for solar projects is equal to 30 percent of total project costs. Next year, the tax credit will step down to 26 percent. For commercial projects, systems can be "safe harbored" with a 5% payment in 2019.
For residential projects, systems must be installed by December 31, 2019. If you want your system installed by the end of the year to claim full 30% tax credit, please get in touch with us before September 30!
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Where we've been installing...
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10kW + 2 Tesla Powerwalls in Nashville, TN
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107kW Parking Canopies for Tennessee Army National Guard in Nashville, TN
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150kW at new Bellevue Community Center & Ice Rink in Nashville, TN
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836 solar installations and counting...
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