In an event highlighting investments secured through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act in Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky, Appalachian Solar Finance Fund Director Autumn Long discussed how the fund’s work and impact have been amplified by federal investment in Central Appalachian states.
“Kids look at it, and they see a castle,” says Scott Miller, executive director of Just For Kids Advocacy Center, of the nonprofit organization’s new Beckley, West Virginia, headquarters. That castle is now solar-powered by a 14-panel ground array, which was unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 25.
Low-income communities across Appalachia can apply for a bonus 10 to 20% tax credit available to eligible solar projects. There’s a limited priority application window for this tax credit, which can be stacked on top of other solar incentives!
The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund has supported 32 new projects since its launch in November 2021.
Going solar has become more accessible and affordable for nonprofit organizations, businesses, and local governments in Appalachia. Communities near a recently closed coal mine or coal-fired power plant directly benefit from significant federal funding flowing into the region.
School solar projects demonstrate how Virginia’s coalfield counties are diversifying their economies and energy options with solar power.
On July 28, Appalachian Voices partnered with the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund, Volt Energy Utility and St. Paul Lutheran Church to present a webinar to specifically encourage places of faith to make the switch to solar energy.
The end of negotiations to include clean energy and climate spending in the reconciliation plan is a harsh blow, but we will continue to fight for a better future for Appalachia, and for our planet.
CONTACT: Autumn Long, Appalachian Solar Finance Fund Project Manager autumn.long@appvoices.org, 304-841-3539 A new regional solar initiative awarded its first $44,690 grant award to help a nonprofit go solar on April 7, 2022. More such awards are on the horizon in…
CONTACT: Autumn Long, Appalachian Solar Finance Fund Project Manager autumn.long@appvoices.org, 304-841-3539 The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund (SFF), a new program to jump-start commercial and institutional solar projects in coal-impacted communities throughout Central Appalachia, will launch on Thursday, November 4 with…
