Solar Projects Advance in Southwest Virginia

The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia is excited to announce an opportunity for businesses, government and nonprofit entities to go solar and save on electricity bills through its second commercial-scale solar group purchase. The workgroup is co-convened by Appalachian Voices, UVA-Wise and People, Inc.

The workgroup will gather interested building owners and issue a request for proposals to solar installers in the region that agree to provide training opportunities to local residents. This will help attract the growing solar industry to the region while lowering electricity costs for participating property owners and providing on-the-job training opportunities for locals.

In order to be included in this group purchase and take advantage of the 30 percent federal tax credit available through 2019, we are seeking initial commitments from property owners in seven Southwest Virginia counties by March 15. To learn more, visit swvasolar.org/commercial-solar or email Chelsea Barnes at chelsea@appvoices.org

In November, the Solar Workgroup awarded a 1.5-megawatt group of projects to a team led by Richmond’s NCI, Inc. The final six solar project sites in Southwest Virginia include two high schools, an affordable housing apartment complex, an outdoor center and an industrial center. The NCI project team is now negotiating individual contracts with these entities to reach final agreements on installation.

Bill Would Support Virginia Solar

We’re supporting important legislation in the General Assembly that could bolster efforts to bring solar and job training to Southwest Virginia. H.B. 2741 would establish a rebate fund to increase access to efficiency and renewables to low-income families.