Silicon Ranch flips switch on 3.25-MW Tennessee solar project
Silicon Ranch Corporation and Bolivar Energy Authority (BEA) flipped the switch on the new 3.25-MWAC Bolivar Solar Farm in Hardeman County, Tennessee, along with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The solar facility will provide enough low-cost solar energy to power more than 500 homes and help keep rates low for BEA’s more than 11,000 customers.
Despite global supply chain constraints and other industry challenges, Silicon Ranch remained on schedule and delivered the project on time, expanding the company’s legacy of successful project execution.
In 2020, TVA began offering local power companies (LPCs) the flexibility to meet a portion of their power needs with local generating sources through its visionary generation flexibility program. As one of the first LPCs to execute a deal with TVA under those new terms, BEA chose Silicon Ranch as its partner for the solar project to help keep rates as low as possible for BEA customers and fully leverage the benefits that accompany such projects right here in Hardeman County.
“As a public power utility in the fifth-largest county in Tennessee, BEA is extremely pleased to offer our community a low-cost, reliable energy solution from trusted local partners,” said Tony Kirk, BEA President and CEO. “TVA is enabling us and LPCs across the Valley to do just that through its generation flexibility program, by providing our community with the opportunity to partner with dependable, renewable energy providers like Silicon Ranch to procure local energy solutions. We are looking forward to continuing our long-term relationship with Silicon Ranch, as the company will own and operate the Bolivar Solar Farm for the entire lifetime of the project.”
“When TVA established our Flexibility Program, we hoped the new terms would facilitate these kinds of partnerships across the Valley. Along with our partners, we are dedicated to advancing this program to provide clean, cost-effective, reliable energy,” said Doug Perry, TVA senior VP of commercial energy solutions. “It is rewarding to see the completion of this solar facility and to witness the program in action across the Valley.”
On behalf of BEA and TVA, Silicon Ranch funded construction and will own, operate and maintain the solar facility for the duration of its lifetime, a disciplined approach the company takes with every project it develops.
“This solar project with Bolivar Energy Authority showcases the power of partnerships, through TVA’s renowned generation flexibility program, not just in procuring more cost-effective, reliable renewable energy but also as engines of economic development for communities across the Valley,” said Matt Kisber, Silicon Ranch Co-Founder and Chairman. “Silicon Ranch takes great pride in our local Tennessee roots and looks forward to continuing our work with the Bolivar community as a trusted local neighbor and partner for years to come.”
The Bolivar Solar Farm was supported by the USDA through its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) initiative, which provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to support agricultural producers and rural small businesses with renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. By working collaboratively with BEA and the USDA, Silicon Ranch was able to build on its legacy of choosing the right path over the easier path to get the job done, ensuring that BEA’s customers maximize the benefit from access to low-cost renewable energy provided through the project.
“USDA is excited to celebrate in today’s Flip the Switch ceremony for the Bolivar Solar Farm. This is a great investment for the community, city and people of Bolivar and Hardeman County, Tennessee,” said Arlisa Armstrong, USDA’s Tennessee state director. “We are committed to partnering with our rural small businesses to help save on energy costs, make energy efficiency improvements, and combat the challenges of climate change. These investments will provide the necessary relief that our rural communities need for everyday living.”
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