MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Maryville may soon start using cleaner energy infrastructure to power homes and businesses in the area.
On Tuesday, city leaders unanimously moved towards implementing solar power in the city. They signed three contracts that committed them to buying energy produced by Silicon Ranch at three possible sites across Maryville. That power would then be distributed to customers across the area.
Silicon Ranch is a solar energy developer that operates across the southeast. It was founded in Tennessee in 2011 and has built solar panel farms in areas of Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. They also committed to building a solar project in the Tri-Cities area.
Greg McClain, Maryville's city manager, said the project was made possible through the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Silicon Ranch plans to build the solar arrays off Mint Road and will fund, build and operate the power plants. They also said DENSO will also receive a portion of the energy produced at the site. The organization builds technology and components used in almost every kind of car on the road.