The Solar Solutions Initiative (SSI) is a two-year pilot that began in February 2012 that provides incentive payments for mid-size solar projects in TVA's Renewable Standard Offer program if the projects use local NABCEP-certified installers in the Valley region.

SSI is a targeted incentive that aims to support the existing local solar industry, while also serving as a recruitment tool for new industry in the Valley region, retaining and adding investment and jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Projects that utilize solar panels installed by local NABCEP-certified installers may be eligible for the pilot incentive ($/kWh) in addition to the Renewable Standard Offer power purchases. The incentives are intended to capture the economic development benefits of utilizing the local workforce and increased investment, as the solar energy industry continues to show growth. An additional10 MW is available in 2013 at the prices indicated below.

Pricing Information

General

• Must participate in Renewable Standard Offer (in TVA power service territory only)
• Project Nameplate capacity must be > 50 kW DC, up to 1,000 kW DC (mid-size solar)
• The pilot is limited to 10 MW DC of capacity in 2012; with another 10 MW DC of capacity available in 2013
• No applicant or developer can apply or enroll in more than 2 MW DC of capacity, to ensure participation diversity
• There may be no more than one SSI-eligible project per site/property

Installer/Contractor

• The installation must be completed/managed by a NABCEP-certified solar PV installer
• The NABCEP-certified solar PV installer must be employed by a business located in the TVA power service territory

In addition to the Renewable Standard Offer Application, developers wishing to pursue the Solar Solutions Initiative pilot overlay must include the following details regarding the project when completing the Solar Solutions Initiative application:

• The planned equipment to be used including details about the solar panels, inverters, and other balance of system (BOS) components to the project
• The planned installer/contractor who is NABCEP-certified for solar PV installations and is located inside the Valley region
• Detailed cost projections for the various parts of the installation

Prior to reaching the contract stage for the RSO and SSI programs, the applicant/developer must submit the final equipment to be used, as well as installer/contractor to be used for the project, as well as any other requested changes to the previously submitted Application – projects must still be eligible for the pilot and program requirements and detailed cost receipts will be required prior to receiving the purchase payments

In order to be reviewed by TVA, the applicant must have submitted the fully completed RSO and SSI applications, along with the associated application fee(s).