This graphic, produced by 1366 Technologies, shows the steady historic and projected continued cost decline of PVs.

E X E C U T I V E   D I R E C T O R ' S   N O T E

February 24, 2010

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION is complete and all board members have been assigned their term of office based on the election results:
  • Steve Johnson, Joe Schiller and Brad Coburn were elected for three-year terms.
  • Sam Delay, Douglas Sterrett and Joe Sims were elected for two-year terms.
  • Nelson Adrian was elected for a one-year term.
We thank all the new directors for their unselfish courage, and wish them bon voyage on the journey they'll help lead as Tennessee waltzes into the solar energy industry's dawning age.

You can download the candidates' bios (pdf) for the inaugural TSEA board of directors election.

The next step is for the board to elect a President, Treasurer and Secretary. Then we can complete the IRS 501c3 application for tax exempt status.

GOVERNOR BREDESEN HAS PIONEERED the growing number of companies that are going to manufacture solar photovoltaic components for our emerging industry. Let us work with our state legislature and executive wing to create a climate that will attract more manufacturers to Tennessee by making these potential businesses know that we, the citizens of this state, are ready and able to man the jobs that these new manufacturers will create. Tell us of solar happenings in your region so others will be informed.

Jobs are needed and new solar distribution and installation businesses are emerging across the state. Let us hear of them and where they are.

The plans of TSEA are to seek opportunities to make solar less expensive through increased numbers of solar installations, taking advantage of the government grant programs that are available by providing assistance to homeowners, entrepreneurs, established businessess and educators in applying for these grant requests.

Here is what we propose on doing:
  • Work with the state legislature and the Governor’s office to promote solar.
  • Help create a better climate for solar acceptance by TVA through catalyzing and publicizing innovative ideas.
  • Publish a magazine highlighting our members' statewide efforts to implement activities in green power.
  • Establish chapters of TSEA at the universities and in communities across the state.
  • Arrange solar demonstrations for public viewing.
  • Participate in ways of creating and promoting new opportunities for solar installations.
  • And much more!

But we cannot do this alone. We need your membership and participation. Please join us on our historic journey.

- Steve Levy


Visit and participate in our new blog at:

Previous Director's Messages:

The Tennessee Solar Energy Association is reforming, and with your help, we can support and lead efforts to bring clean, renewable energy to our state.

We are moving to be a charter member of the American Solar Energy Society and to be granted a 501(c)3 tax status. It is our intention to promote, report on and demonstrate solar projects throughout the state.

Here is our amended charter (pdf).

Here is the slate of candidates (pdf) for our initial board of directors election held in February, 2010.

The Association is looking for members who have joined or are joining ASES. With your support we can make a difference in supplying the most abundant renewable resource to the residents of our volunteer state. Increasing solar manufacturing in Tennessee will create jobs, clean our air and water, and take advantage of the only free energy available to all economic spectra, from Memphis to Nashville to Knoxville.

We hope you will become a member of ASES, the national organization, then support your local chapter by filling out and submitting a TSEA membership application (pdf), or contacting us at:

UT Conference Center
311 Conference Center Suite B3
Knoxville, TN 37996
phone: 865-974-9218
fax: 865-974-1838
steve@tnsolarenergy.org