Southwest Virginia Solar Roadmap Released

The Solar Workgroup released this “roadmap” in November 2017 to lay out the steps needed to grow a robust solar energy sector in Southwest Virginia.

Last year, our New Economy team partnered with People, Inc., and the University of Virginia at Wise’s Office of Economic Development to form the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia to blaze a trail for solar energy in seven historically coal-producing counties in the state.

Our team is now releasing a Solar Roadmap for Southwest Virginia that identifies 15 residential and commercial sites that would serve as solar “ambassadors” for the region in addition to outlining workforce development needs, policy recommendations and more.

A potential installation at Ridgeview High School could provide $1.7 million in net energy savings over a 25-year period.

Our goal is to help establish a renewable energy sector that builds community wealth and gives the region a competitive advantage in attracting new business interests that are looking to go green by getting all or a portion of their power from renewables.

To view the Solar Roadmap and learn more about the project, visit appvoices.org/solar-roadmap