TVA: Generation Partners Program

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and participating power distributors of TVA power offer a production-based incentive program to homeowners and businesses for the installation of renewable generation systems from the following qualifying resources: PV, wind, low-impact hydropower, and biomass. The energy generated from these renewable generation systems will count towards TVA's green power pricing program, Green Power Switch.

TVA will purchase 100% of the output from a qualifying PV system at a premium of $0.12 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) on top of the retail electricity rate and $0.03 per kilowatt-hour on top of the retail electricity rate for wind, low-impact hydro, and biomass. TVA will retain all rights to any renewable energy credits (including tradable renewable credits or green tags) or other associated benefits of energy generated from the renewable nature of the system. Payment is made in the form of a credit issued by the local power company on the monthly power bill for the home or business where the generation system is located. If a qualifying system produces more electricity than the customer consumes, payment for any excess credits will be issued either monthly or annually, at the discretion of the power company. All new participants in the Generation Partners program will receive a $1,000 incentive to offset the upfront cost.

The contract term is 10 years. Qualifying systems must have a minimum output of 500 watts and a maximum output of 50 kilowatts (kW). Installations must also comply with local codes and adhere to guidelines established by the program. All equipment must be in compliance with environmental regulations and national standards, certified by a licensed electrician, and meet all applicable codes. Systems must be dual-metered, have an external disconnect switch, be grid-tied, and be validated under an interconnection agreement.