At Tuesday’s meeting, City Council voted to approve an agreement with Solar Alliance Southeast, LLC (SASE) to build and install solar panels on the roof of the Cal Johnson Recreation Center for a cost not to exceed $48,765.50. 

“Adding solar panels to the popular recreation center is part of the City’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in City operations,” says Office of Sustainability Director Brian Blackmon. The goal is to reduce those emissions – primarily through facilities and fleet vehicles – by 30 percent by 2030. 
The 20.5KW in solar panels will generate renewable energy to power its normal operations, reducing the City’s bill for power at the center from the traditional electrical grid by 13 percent, approximately $4,000 per year. The project is expected to pay for itself twice during the period of the 25-year performance warranty. 

The City currently has approximately 200KW of solar panels located at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium-Coliseum parking garage, the Knoxville Convention Center, the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park, Knoxville Station Transit Center, and Market Square garage.

Construction will begin late summer 2022, and be completed in about 90 days.
SASE has installed solar panels on the Jacob Building and at Zoo Knoxville. 
For additional information about the City’s climate goals and sustainability initiatives, visit www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/Sustainability.