Solar Workgroup of Southwest Va hosts info session for businesses, nonprofits and government

Norton, VA — The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia will host a virtual information session on September 30 at 10:30am for non-residential building owners interested in pursuing cost-effective solar projects. The event is part of the workgroup’s recently announced Securing Solar For Southwest Virginia program, which aims to bring at least 10 megawatts of solar to the region, creating jobs and a skilled workforce.

“With recent changes in state policy and the current federal tax credit for solar, Southwest Virginia businesses, nonprofits and government entities can save money with solar through no-money-down options,” said Chelsea Barnes, New Economy Program Manager for Appalachian Voices, a co-convenor of the workgroup. “Now, with the new program from the Solar Workgroup, building owners can also support local job creation by going solar.”

Through this new initiative, Secure Futures, LLC, and Lonesome Pine Solar will provide affordable solar solutions for businesses, nonprofits and local governments in the seven-county region, while building local workforce skills and opportunities for well-paying jobs in the growing solar energy sector. Commercial-scale building owners can go solar using a “power purchase agreement” that requires no down payment and results in savings on electricity bills from day one of the solar operation. With no need for upfront capital and an immediate savings opportunity, this is an ideal financing arrangement for building owners to utilize now during an economic recession.

“Now is an especially favorable time for building owners to go solar and take advantage of the 26% federal tax credit for solar, which steps down to 22% after this year,” said Skip Skinner of Lonesome Pine Solar. “With third-party power purchase agreement financing options, even tax-exempt entities can benefit from this tax credit.”

The information session will include presentations from Secure Futures, a Staunton-based solar installation company, and the Solar Workgroup, describing the process of going solar and tax credit eligibility. There will also be time during the session for building owners to ask questions. Interested building owners can register for the information session and the program here.

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Appalachian Voices a leading nonprofit advocate for a healthy environment and just economy in the Appalachian region, and a driving force in America’s shift from fossil fuels to a clean energy future. For more than 20 years, we have been a powerful ally to communities in defense of the region’s land, air and water.