A Green Power Partnership!

Humboldt Utilities, TVA and the Crown Winery - Humboldt Utilities recently signed an agreement with TVA to participate in the Generation Partners Program. This program is designed to give participating residential and small commercial customers the opportunity to supply power and energy generated by green power sources such as photovoltaic solar, wind turbine and other qualifying renewable enegy-generation systems to TVA at a purchase price of $.15 per kwh.

The first Humboldt customer to join the Green Power Switch program is the HRH Vineyards and The Crown Winery. According to General Manager Stan little, Humboldt was approached by owner Peter Howard, who wanted to use solar power to produce electricity to run the winery operation. Humboldt Utilities then executed the necessary agreements with TVA and Peter was on his way

with the installation of a solar energy system. The system has been in operation for several months and the surplus electricity has been sold to TVA, with the winery receiving a credit on the power bill. Humboldt Utilities furnishes electricity when the winery uses more than is generated by the solar energy system.

Solar energy is generated by photovoltaic (PV) system which uses semi-conductor cells, or modules, that convert sunlight directly into electricity. The system also contains additional equipment such as inverters, which change direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) - the type used in our homes. The PV cells are connected in the form of flat panels that can be mounted on rooftops or integrated into roofing shingles or other building materials.

The solar energy system at The Crown Winery is a 17 kw (kilowatt) system, which on average in the Tennessee Valley should generate 25,000 to 30,000 kwh per year, which is about twice the usage of a typical house, Humboldt Utilities is proud to be a part of the TVA Green Power Program and to partner with Peter and Rita Howard, winery owners, on the solar energy project.