When a 1-megawatt utility scale solar farm was constructed in Knoxville, Tenn., in July of 2010, it became the largest solar farm in the state and the only to host an on-site educational center.

“We are extremely proud to have completed and interconnected this signature Tennessee photovoltaic project, the largest in the TVA region, in less than six weeks with the support of the Knoxville Utility Board, TVA and Sharp,” said Robbie Thomas, president of Efficient Energy of Tennessee (EETN). “Each organization went above and beyond to create a green energy solution that will set the standard for others across the country.”

EETN purchased the property from an old mobile home company and had to gut it and clean it up before they could begin construction and installation.

“We purchased property in Knoxville that was a real mess, an ugly scene, and we came in and cleaned everything up,” said Thomas. “We turned an eyesore into something beneficial for the community.”

An existing building on the site has been converted to an education center that will include displays of real-time production data, design and installation information, mounting displays (helical piers, etc) and other educational items for public viewing.

Thomas also plans to open the solar facility to research and classes in conjunction with the University of Tennessee. EETN is also in the process of organizing and hosting a solar curriculum for elementary students.

“There’s a huge benefit to the community with the education center,” said Thomas. “For kids to be able to come down here, touch it, see how it works, it will provide them with a very unique and important educational perspective on solar energy.”

The Knoxville solar power array will generate 1,198,920 kWh of clean, emissions-free solar energy annually for the Knoxville Utility Board (KUB) grid—enough to power more than 120 average-sized American homes.

By eliminating the greenhouse gases that would otherwise be emitted by the consumption of 2,000 barrels of oil, the solar array will play a pivotal role in the state’s renewable energy initiative. New jobs were also created at Knoxville thanks to the solar plant and in Sharp’s Memphis plant, where all panels were manufactured for the site.

Image courtesy of EETN.