Our Story

Why Go Solar?

There are many reasons to go solar but improving the environment and cutting energy costs are the most recognized. Everyone should know that solar power is a great way to reduce our Carbon Footprint and help reduce Global Warming and at the same time saving money and increasing property values. Whether your motivations for going solar are economic, environmental, or philosophical; check out are our top 5 reasons why solar energy is good for our homes, business, and event locations. Anywhere there is a roof pointing towards the southern skies; you most likely are a good candidate for a Solar Power System.

Our Story

GOING GREEN has proven to have an amazing effect on preserving our environment and our planet. We are truly grateful for the natural beauty that surrounds us here in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Being given the opportunity to be the first hotel in Gatlinburg to make this gigantic leap toward Green Energy is an honor.

Since 2012, Brookside Hospitality Inc. is owned by a mother and son team, Denise and Jake Throntveit. They have been researching the possibility of installing several solar panel systems on the roofs of Brookside Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Solar, although very popular out west, up north and abroad; has not caught on as much in the south. There are various reasons for that; there are so many different companies that sell so many different products, that the research can become a struggle. We encountered several Solar Energy brokers who not only simply marked up the price for an introduction to an installation crew but, they also misrepresented the potential savings and relationship with the existing local electric company. We searched for 6 months trying to find the top-of-the-line, commercial grade solar panels and support equipment. That search led us directly to the manufacturer of German Stainless Steel solar panels, that are efficient, state-of-the-art, powerful for their size which come with a 30-year warranty and a lifespan in excess of 30 years.

After all the permits and inspections for the city of Gatlinburg, the local electric company, Sevier County Electric, and TVA were granted, the green light was given to Brookside to be the singular pioneer for the commercial Solar Industry in Gatlinburg.

The following describes the entire process; from the moment you decide you want solar, to the moment the switch is flipped on, to the incoming bills showing what the solar system produced in conjunction what was needed from our local provider.

We want to show a realistic, truthful timeline so people, who want to design their own system, can experience what it’s like and to learn from our firsthand experience.

Where to start

Everyone needs to do their own research to familiarize themselves with industry terminology, the type of equipment that is out there and what will work best for your unique needs. The basic equipment you will need are solar panels, framing, micro-inverters, and a south facing exposure to the sun. Solar panels can be installed on the ground or on a rooftop. Micro-inverters are installed alongside panels to convert the DC current to AC current. Other considerations are made for warranties, life expectancy, cost, and your electric demand. The solar electricity you generate may be stored in batteries, connected directly to the grid, or used in connection with your local power company. Once you have familiarized yourself with your demand and equipment you are interested in, it is time to search for an installer. Installers should be knowledgeable and listen to your needs. Be prepared to be introduced to new technology as the science is always evolving. Our installers guided us through the entire permitting process, introduced us to grant writers and other government programs to offset the cost of the system as well as a lifetime guarantee for our system.

Interested? Click Here. If you would like free advice from real, experienced professionals and not commissioned brokers who are only interested in a sale. There is a no obligation and your personal information is private. Our professionals will ask you for the location for the system, copies of past electric bills to determine demand and local authorities and will determine the size of the system that will best fit your budget and goals. And yes, there is a lifetime guarantee for the system that they install.