Over the last decade, the price to install solar panels has dropped approximately 65%. This has caused more consumers to consider installing solar panels on their roof tops. This in turn has created more solar panel installation businesses. But not all solar panel installation businesses are equal.

Recently, TVA alerted all TVA power distributors that solar contractors were becoming increasingly aggressive and misleading in their sales tactics. In some cases, erroneous information is being supplied to potential customers, including the overall benefits of installing solar panels, the interconnection requirements for local electric utilities, and the payback period for the installation costs.

Because of this, TVA has created useful information to help educate individuals and businesses considering installing solar panels. It is important to listen closely to sales presentations and thoroughly assess all financial calculations provided in regards to electricity generation, value of the electricity generated, and the payback period (or breakeven point) for the total cost of the installation.

Below is information prepared by TVA to educate consumers. Also included are links to the various programs TVA has in place in regards to solar panel installation. Recently TVA created their new “Green Connect” program to help Valley consumers connect with quality solar panel installers in the area. In addition, HES customers may contact HES to discuss the installation of solar panels on their roof or property and to review financial calculations provided by solar installers. HES and TVA fully support individuals and businesses wishing to install solar panels in an effort to help reduce carbon emissions and will provide any assistance necessary to educate and guide customers.

How to Choose a Solar Installer- TVA

Solar Myths- TVA

Solar FAQs- TVA

TVA Green Connect Program- Find a Qualified Solar Installer

TVA Dispersed Power Program- Sell Power to TVA

TVA Solar Calculator

Hopkinsville Electric System/energynet has earned the American Public Power Association’s Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices in 2020. The utility earned 1^st place in the category for utilities with 99,833 worker-hours of annual worker exposure.

“Utilities that receive an APPA Safety Award have demonstrated that they have made the health and safety of their employees a core value,” said Brandon Wylie, Chair of APPA’s Safety Committee and Director of Training & Safety at Electric Cities of Georgia. “Designing and maintaining a top-notch utility safety program takes a lot of hard work and commitment. These utilities and their communities should be very proud.”

329 utilities from across the country entered the annual Safety Awards. Entrants were placed in categories according to their number of worker-hours and ranked based on the most incident-free records during 2020. The incidence rate, used to judge entries, is based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses and the number of worker-hours during 2020, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“Hopkinsville Electric System/energynet values safety above all else,” said Jeff Hurd, General Manager. “We recognize the importance of our employees going home to their families each day; this is what drives our dedication to safety.”

The Safety Awards have been held annually for the last 65 years. APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide.