Resources

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

As a multiprogram science and technology research institute, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is one of the most prestigious national laboratories under the Department of Energy (DOE).  ORNL conducts basic and applied research and development to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation’s leadership in key areas of science; increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.  ORNL is located at Oak Ridge, TN, about 25 miles to the west of downtown Knoxville.

Building Technology Research and Integration Center of ORNL

The Building Technologies Research and Integration Center(BTRIC), under the Energy & Transportation Science Division(ETSD), focuses on research, development, and deployment of energy efficient technologies in support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) goal of zero energy homes by 2020 and zero energy commercial buildings by 2025.

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Tennessee Solar Institute

The Tennessee Solar Institute (TSI) is a center of excellence between the University of Tennessee (UT) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) that brings together scientists, students, policy makers, and industry partners to generate transformative changes to the field of solar-generated energy production.

Converging experts into one hub, TSI’s collaborative spirit expands the realm of possibilities. Though still in our infancy, TSI is building a strong foundation today that will shape our future in solar innovation tomorrow. As we move steadily toward our goals, we invite you to learn more about us and the future vision of the Tennessee Solar Institute.

To learn more information, check http://solar.tennessee.edu

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American Solar Energy Society

Established in 1954, the non-profit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and advocates. ASES’s mission is to inspire an era of energy innovation and speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. ASES advance education, research and policy.

To learn more information, check http://www.ases.org/.

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Tennessee Solar Energy Association

TSEA is promoting state-wide utilization of solar energy. The Tennessee Governor has succeeded in bringing us key elements of the solar industry. TSEA wants to build on his achievements by spreading new information on solar activities in Tennessee, promoting the application of solar energy technologies, solar businesses located in the state of Tennessee, demonstrating solar concepts for public education, holding seminars, workshops, symposia, and acting as a solar energy technology expert resource for the people of Tennessee, thereby increasing public awareness of solar technologies and ensuring its proper application.

If you want to join TSEA, contact Steve Levy at steve@tnsolarenergy.org. Join and help make Tennessee a solar state.

To learn more information, check http://www.tnsolarenergy.org.

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Solar Energy Industries Association

Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of solar energy industry. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy.

To learn more information, check http://www.seia.org.

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Tennessee Chapter of SEIA

TenneSEIA’s mission is to make solar energy a mainstream energy source and realize the full potential of the solar industry in Tennessee. Our goal is to advance solar as an energy source, to stimulate economic investment and to create jobs for Tennesseans and the State of Tennessee.

To learn more information, visit http://tenneseia.com/

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

NABCEP offers voluntary and nationally-recognized certifications to renewable energy professionals throughout North America. Only professionals who meet the minimum requirements of experience and training are eligible to sit for the certification exam. Successful candidates are awarded the title of NABCEP Certified Installers for demonstrating their competence in the field and their commitment to upholding high standard of ethical and professional practice. NABCEP Certified Installers have documented PV and solar hot water system training and experience, and they must pass recertification every three years.

To learn more information, visit http://www.nabcep.org.

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The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) is a regional organization primarily focused on developing clean energy solutions throughout the Southeast. SACE has strong working relationships with city and state leaders, and has been a leading voice for energy reform to protect the quality of life and treasured places in the Southeast for more than 20 years. With offices and staff in five states and eleven cities throughout the Southeast, SACE is addressing the unique need for action on climate and energy policy through a regional approach that compares trends, shares solutions and identifies common interests. SACE strives to advance clean energy solutions, with the goal of raising the standards in the Southeast on how energy is produced and consumed.

SACE has been a strong partner in the Knoxville Solar America Cities program since the very beginning. SACE hosts a free public workshop every two months and covers a wide variety of topics from Solar 101, Solar Hot Water In-Depth to Solar Photovoltaic In-Depth. In October 2009, SACE successfully co-hosted the Knoxville Solar Tour and Fair, the biggest solar promotional event in the city. In addition, SACE has been instrumental in facilitating face-to-face dialogue between regional solar based businesses and high level officials from both the state’s Governor’s Office and the Tennessee Valley Authority in an effort to address perceived barriers to widespread solar adoption. As the leader of the solar community in Tennessee, SACE has actively rallied local solar industry participants into the formation of an association for further promotion of solar technology within the Tennessee marketplace.

To learn more information, visit http://www.cleanenergy.org.

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The Tennessee Valley Authority

TVA is the nation’s largest public power company, with 33,000 megawatts of dependable generating capacity. Through 158 locally owned distributors, TVA provides power to about 8.7 million residents of the Tennessee Valley. TVA is a partner of the Knoxville Solar Cities Program by providing staff support, technical assistance, and $100,000 over two years in matching funds.

Green Power Switch

TVA and participating TVA power companies offer homeowners and businesses an opportunity to support the growth of green power in the Tennessee Valley through a program called Green Power Switch. Homes and businesses that participate in the Green Power Switch receive technical support and incentives of the installation of renewable generation systems, including solar, wind, biomass, and low-impact hydro power.

Energy Efficiency Program

TVA also has a new energy efficiency program called TVA’s energy right®, which is aimed at providing consumer with guidance on how to improve home energy usage and save on energy bills.

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Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center is a regional park and provider of quality environmental education programs located in downtown Knoxville. Since 2000, Ijams has hosted a 15 KW solar panel array, which is used as a teaching tool for school field trips. The Solar America Cities Program has collaborated with Ijams on developing a new interactive, interpretive kiosk that will increase the understanding of solar energy for both young and old alike. Ijams has also been the location of numerous local solar workshops organized by the Solar America Cities Program.

To learn more information, visit Ijams Nature Center’s website.

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