How Electric Co-ops Drive Tennessee Solar + Battery Storage Growth

#320

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Brandon Wagoner, Vice President of Strategy at Middle Tennessee Electric, explains how the second largest cooperative in America manages explosive EV adoption, deploys 32 megawatts of battery storage, and builds 113 megawatts of solar arrays while keeping rates low. His secret weapon: load factor optimization.

Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) serves 350,000 meters south and east of Nashville and leads Tennessee utilities in electric vehicle adoption. As the largest co-op in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) service territory, MTE operates through strategic partnerships rather than vertical integration, working directly with TVA to solve generation and distribution challenges together.

Key Discussion Points:

• Load factor optimization as the primary metric for grid infrastructure decisions and rate management

• 32 megawatts of two-hour battery storage deployment scheduled for Q1 2026 across their service territory

• 3.25 MW tracking solar array operational, with 110 MW TVA solar project launching in 2028

• Night Flex rate program incentivizing EV charging during six six-hour overnight windows

• Community solar programs serving renters and members without rooftop installation options

• Pro Solar advisory team provides trusted third-party guidance for members evaluating solar developers

• Strategic approach to serving diverse demographics from high-income first adopters to conservative rural members

• Co-op structure enables focus on member service rather than shareholder profits

• Partnership model with TVA replaces traditional utility customer relationship

• Programmatic rebates, including $50 EV charger installation incentives

Connect with Brandon Wagoner

Website: https://mte.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midtnelectric/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-brandon-wagoner-pe-2822146/

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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems.  Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com