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Renewable Energy

      Sustainability Director

      Patience Melnik
      [email protected]
      (865) 215-3083

      400 Main St., Room 598
      Knoxville, TN 37902

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      Solar Installations on City Facilities

      The City of Knoxville currently owns and operates seven solar arrays on public buildings and infrastructure. These arrays provide renewable power to City facilities and the local grid, saving taxpayer money on utilities and reducing our emissions. 



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      • Cal Johnson Community Center: 20.5 kW
      • Civic Coliseum Parking Garage: 14.4 kW
      • Dr. E.V. Davidson Community Center: 60 kW solar array, 122 kWh battery storage
      • Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park: 50 kW
      • KAT Transit Center: 5 kW
      • Knoxville Convention Center: 121.4 kW
      • Market Square Parking Garage: 8.64 kW

      In April 2026, we 'flipped the switch' on our first solar project that includes battery energy storage at the Dr. E.V. Davidson Community Center. The solar array is 60 kW, paired with 122 kilowatt-hours of battery storage. The battery system allows the facility to operate on a portion of renewable energy during cloudy days, at night, and during brief power outages. By storing solar energy, the system helps maintain building operations and reduces disruptions to youth and adult programming at the community center.




      This project was fully funded through a U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.
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      Local Solar Through Local Partnerships


      Mayor Kincannon pictured with city staff and KUB's solar share certificate
      Mayor Kincannon and City staff pictured with KUB Community Solar Certificate
      KUB Community Solar is a partnership between the Knoxville Utilities Board, the City of Knoxville, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The program provides homeowners, renters, and businesses with the opportunity to purchase a share of a one-megawatt solar array in Knoxville. The City of Knoxville was KUB Community Solar's first subscriber, purchasing 529 shares representing 250 kW of solar capacity. These shares support locally generated renewable energy and provide monthly bill credits that offset a portion of the City's electricity use.


      The initial KUB Community Solar Array is currently fully subscribed. KUB continues to offer additional programs that allow residents and businesses to support clean energy and is actively working to develop future community solar projects. Visit our resources page to learn more about current options available through KUB.


      Energy Production in the Tennessee Valley

      All electricity used in Knoxville is generated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the largest government-owned power provider in the United States, and distributed locally by Knoxville Utilities Board. TVA produces power for the region using a diversified energy portfolio that includes nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, and renewable energy such as solar. Read more about TVA's energy portfolio here.

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