Stephen Levy, who holds several patents, has been studying solar energy technology since the '70s.

At the UT Science Forum, Levy, technical director of Tennessee Solar Energy Association, spoke on "How Realistic is the Dollar-a-Watt Goal for Solar Power?"

Over the course of the lecture, Levy made it plain that he believes cost effective residential solar power is right around the corner. With a push from Washington and the demand from our generation for cleaner energy, Levy predicts "we are going to see a solar stampede."

With so many companies involved in providing services and materials to the super factory, the total impact on the economy of this region will be enormous. Stephen Levy

Coupled with technological improvements and processing optimizations, a "Mega-Factory for East Tennessee" might be what we need to make a dollar-a-watt solar power a reality.

Levy went on to explain that coal is the "predominant fuel source, followed by natural gas and nuclear, while 'renewables' account for 10%, which needs to grow quickly," citing the environmental impact of fossil-fuel fed power generation. Of these, water quality is most impacted.

However, the technology behind solar energy is primarily sun and sand. Sand is used to make the glass and silicone necessary for solar panels and the sun provides the energy.

It is not just about clean, cheap energy. There is also the potential to bring much-needed jobs to the region. Sand is already a big product in Tennessee. If a mega-factory were built in Tennessee, it would employ many Tennesseans and reduce the overall cost of bringing solar energy to them.

"Knoxville is uniquely situated for the site of the solar PV factory with its resources of talent, resources and location. Such a super factory will employ thousands of highly paid workers, producing something that will benefit the entire world," says Levy. "With so many companies involved in providing services and materials to the super factory, the total impact on the economy of this region will be enormous."

Yet, there are still some bumps in the road. Standardization is a problem. Lack of certified installers is another.  Nuclear power plants would still be needed to fill in the energy gaps.

However, TVA's infrastructure is already in place to handle the changes with as much as 30 percent of the energy stored without modification.

We have a clear goal: double renewable capacity in the next three years.  Is $1 a watt a reality? No, but it can be.