Support

How will the Solar Share credit show up on my bill?

Solar Share credits and charges will appear on page 2 of your monthly bill under the "Statement of New Charges" section. You will see your monthly rental based on the number of panels you lease along with your monthly credit below it.

Does the location of my Solar Share panel affect my monthly credit?

No. Your monthly credit is calculated from the total amount of energy produced at the array divided by the total number of panels.

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What is a REC?

A REC, or "renewable energy credit," represents one megawatt of energy that has been generated using a renewable, carbon-free method, such as solar panels or windmills. You may sometimes see RECs referred to as credits, green tags, or renewable energy certificates.

RECs help us accurately measure the environmental benefits of green energy. When you purchase a REC, you're supporting renewable energy generation and displacing emissions associated with conventional sources of energy or electricity, such as coal, gas and oil.

How much will my business solar credit be every month?

Credits will depend on total generation of the array for the month prior and will be calculated at the current GSA-1 electric rate. For example, if your panel generates 37 kWh and the current GSA-1 electric rate is about 11.5¢ per kWh with fuel cost adjustment you would receive a credit of $4.26 per panel. What's nice about this is that if the cost of power goes up, your Solar Share bill credits become more valuable as they automatically adjust as the electric rate rises or falls.

Submit a request form to join Solar Share.

How does the Solar Share program work?

Joining Solar Share is like joining a community swimming pool. You share the benefits with your neighbors without the maintenance, liability and other hassles of installing your own. Plus, you can license as many panels as you want without any long term commitments. That makes Solar Share an affordable and convenient way to participate in solar generation.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

Is EPB still offering Green Power Switch (GPS)?

Yes, we are still offering TVA's Green Power Switch, now known as Green Switch.

Can I choose my own Solar Share solar panels within the array?

Not at this time. To ensure consistent power generation benefits for all Solar Share participants, EPB determines each customer's monthly power generation credit by figuring the average power generation of all the panels for that month. This means that if some panels are not as well-positioned in relation to the sun, Solar Share participants are not penalized.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

Will EPB be constructing more solar farms in the future?

This depends on several factors primarily the participation of our customers in this project. If the demand for local solar energy generation exceeds this installation, EPB will work with TVA to determine if we can install additional solar generation.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

Can my business claim any tax credits as a Solar Share participant?

Unfortunately, no. The 30% federal income tax credit available under Section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code only applies to those making a capital investment to install solar. Fortunately, Solar Share is built on a scale that allows EPB to offer pricing that is very competitive and often lower than federally subsidized installations.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

Can businesses participate in Solar Share?

Absolutely. Solar Share can offer a host of benefits to our commercial customers and EPB is offering a similar tiered incentive program. Interested commercial customers can call 423-648-1372 and our customer care representatives can connect you with a personal consultant.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

What does the $10 annual maintenance fee cover?

Equipment and wiring repairs, equipment inspections, cleaning of the panels as needed, electronic monitoring of the equipment, and administrative costs associated with the operation of the site.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

How do I determine how many Solar Share solar panels my business will need to lease for a monthly credit to appear on my bill?

Each solar panel within the array is estimated to produce approximately 37 kWh per month. Determine the percentage of your business's energy use you want to receive as a solar credit and multiply that by your average monthly energy use. For example, if you want 25% of your company's power use to be solar, and your average use is 1,600 kWh per month, you would license 11 panels (1600 x .25 = 400/37 = 10.8)

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

How can I figure my business' monthly average power usage?

Please call (423) 648-1372 and an EPB representative will be happy to help you.

How will the credit show up on my bill?

CREDITS and CHARGES will appear as separate line items on your monthly bill.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

Where is the Solar Share solar farm located?

Solar Share is located along Holtzclaw Avenue across from Warner Park.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

How big is the Solar Share array?

The Solar Share array includes 4,408 solar panels on 3.8 acres. The total power output of the entire array is nearly 2 million Kilowatt Hours per year – which could supply the annual energy needs of approximately 130 average homes.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

How much does it cost to participate in Solar Share?

There are several options. You can buy a multi-year license for a one-time payment of $578 per solar panel, plus a $10 annual maintenance fee per panel in exchange for a monthly bill credit equal to the generation of the total number of panels licensed. Panel licenses can be sold back to EPB at any time for a depreciated rate. You can lease month to month for $3.50 per panel per month, you will receive a monthly bill credit equal to the generation of the total number of panels you select. This low-cost option can be cancelled at any time.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

How much energy does Solar Share produce?

The total power output of the entire array is nearly 2 million Kilowatt Hours per year – which could supply the annual energy needs of approximately 130 average homes.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

Since customers can keep their RECs, where do the other RECs that are available for purchase come from?

Our RECs that are available for purchase have been generated by panels that have not been bought or leased yet. They’re available on a first come, first serve basis. These RECs are registered with and tracked by the North American Renewables Registry. After two years, these RECs are retired on a rolling basis.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

How do I determine how many Solar Share solar panels I will need for a monthly credit to appear on my bill?

Each solar panel within the array is estimated to produce approximately 37 kWh per month, but this amount can be higher or lower based on time of year and weather. Determine the percentage of your home's energy use you want to receive as a solar credit and multiply that by your average monthly energy use. For example, if you want 25% of your home's power use to be solar, and your average use is 1,600 kWh per month, you would license 11 panels (1600 x .25 = 400/37 = 10.8).

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

What is the benefit of Solar Share if my monthly cost is higher than my bill credit?

At this point, whether you install panels on your house or participate in community solar, solar power generation is a premium product that's a bit more expensive than conventional power. In the near term, the primary benefit of solar energy generation is environmental - generating energy from the sun significantly reduces carbon emission and contributes to improving the health of our planet. In the longer term, the financial benefit of solar is that it locks in your energy cost at today's rate. As the cost of conventional power rates go up, the cost of participating in Solar Share remains the same. What's nice about this is that as the cost of conventional electric rates goes up, your Solar Share bill credits become more valuable.

Can I claim any tax credits as a Solar Share participant?

Unfortunately, no. The 30% federal residential income tax credit available under Section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code only applies to homeowners making a capital investment to install solar at their home. Fortunately, Solar Share is built on a scale that allows EPB to offer pricing that is very competitive and often lower than federally subsidized rooftop installations.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

How can I figure my monthly average power usage?

Access your account at EPB.com. Go to EPB.com. Click the "Sign In" at the top right. Select "My Accounts" on the menu. Type in your Username and Password, and select the "Login" button. Select "My Consumption History" on the menu left. Here you will find your past bills and charts of your energy usage. You can also access this information by downloading the FREE MyEPB app from Apple and Google Play app stores.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

How long after I buy Solar Share will I see the credit appear on my bill?

Charges will appear the month after you sign up with credits appearing the month after that. For example, if you contact EPB and sign up on July 15 for a panel, you will see the CHARGE on your AUGUST invoice (the next month and all following months). The CREDIT will appear on your SEPTEMBER invoice (approximately 2 months after you sign up and all following months). Why? During the first month after your purchase, your panel is generating electricity. That generation is accumulated throughout the month and then credited on your next bill. If a customer opts for the multi-year license, this is a one-time only charge.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

How much will my Solar Share solar credit be every month?

Each solar panel within the array is estimated to produce approximately 37 kWh per month. Determine the percentage of your business's energy use you want to receive as a solar credit and multiply that by your average monthly energy use. For example, if you want 25% of your company's power use to be solar, and your average use is 1,600 kWh per month, you would license 11 panels (1600 x .25 = 400/37 = 10.8).

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

Is there a limit to the number of Solar Share panels I can license for multiple years or on a monthly basis?

Yes. At most, customers may only license enough panels to cover the average of their power usage over the last 12 months.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

I've licensed a Solar Share panel for multiple years and am now moving out of the area. What do I do?

Every multi-year license includes a buyback option if the customer requests it anytime during the 20-year expected life. A schedule of the buyback values will be established and published at the time of purchase.

What is Solar Share?

EPB Solar Share is a community-based solar program that offers an easy option for EPB customers to participate in renewable energy through solar power. Located along Holtzclaw Avenue across from Warner Park, the Solar Share array is a partnership between EPB and TVA. Through Solar Share, EPB residential and commercial electric power customers have a choice of renewable power that dramatically lowers the barriers to entry for participating in solar power generation.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

What are the benefits of Solar Share?

First of all, Solar Share helps you feel good about purchasing clean, renewable, sustainable energy. It's an affordable way to invest in a sustainable future without the hassle and upfront costs of installing your own rooftop solar array – which enables renters to participate as well. Plus, there are no contracts, so you can cancel at any time.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.

Why should I participate in Solar Share?

First of all, Solar Share helps you feel good about purchasing clean, renewable, sustainable energy. It's an affordable way to invest in a sustainable future without the hassle and upfront costs of installing your own rooftop solar array – which enables renters to participate as well. Plus, there are no contracts, so you can cancel at any time.

Call 423-648-1372 to join Solar Share.