DENSO, together with the City of Maryville, Silicon Ranch and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), on Monday inaugurated a 12.82-acre solar facility at DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc. (DMTN), marking the first phase of a broader renewable energy effort in Blount County.
The facility, powered by more than 4,000 solar panels, is expected to generate about 3,400 megawatt-hours annually, supporting both DENSO’s operations and the local power grid. Two additional facilities are scheduled to come online in 2025 and 2026, with DENSO also sourcing solar energy from a fourth Silicon Ranch project through TVA’s Green Invest program.
“This activity shows how we don’t only strive to be green through our products, but also through our operations and energy use,” said Chuntao Ye, President of DMTN. “We appreciate the City of Maryville, Silicon Ranch and TVA for sharing this commitment with us and look forward to continuing to work together to advance renewable energy in East Tennessee.”
Ray Knotts, Senior Director at TVA, said the collaboration reflects TVA’s long-term goals. “Flipping this switch in partnership with DENSO, the City of Maryville, and Silicon Ranch helps TVA meet growing electricity demand and diversifies our portfolio,” he said.
Matt Beasley, Chief Commercial Officer at Silicon Ranch, added: “Today’s milestone demonstrates what is possible when a group of partners come together with a shared vision for how we can help our communities become stronger, healthier, and more resilient.”
City of Maryville Mayor Andy White highlighted the community impact, saying: “This solar energy asset is another example of the next-level innovation we’ve come to expect from our community’s largest manufacturer and employer — DENSO.”
