Southwest Virginia

Photo by National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Photo by National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Appalachian Voices is committed to seeing investments made in solar energy in the seven counties of Southwest Virginia that has historically been the coal-producing region of the state. 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.

The Appalachian Regional Commission has called for “accelerating the development and use of renewable energy sources” and promoting “green and renewable energy options.” This enthusiasm for renewable energy has been echoed by local planners, elected officials and many other leaders in the region. Solar power in particular holds tremendous potential to reinvigorate Southwest Virginia’s economy.

Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia

Appalachian Voices partnered with University of Virginia-Wise and People Incorporated to co-convene a Solar Workgroup with nonprofit and community action agencies, colleges, state agencies, planning district commissions and other interested citizens and businesses seeking to develop a renewable energy industry cluster in the seven coalfield counties of Southwest Virginia.

The economic benefits of a renewable energy industry in Southwest Virginia could be significant, especially if it grows to include all aspects of the solar value-chain, from manufacturing to engineering to installation. Regional electricity demand is expected to grow and new businesses will seek abundant, redundant, and renewable energy. Fulfilling a part of that demand growth with locally generated renewable energy would provide an economic boon and a powerful leverage point for scaling up a diverse regional renewable energy industry sector.

Read about the workgroup’s successful 2025 Southwest Virginia Solar Summit!

We’re partnering with five Southwest Virginia communities to create locally driven initiatives that strengthen economies, address environmental challenges and improve quality of life.

We’re proud to bring solar to communities across the region as a leading partner for the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund.

This 2024 report describes Southwest Virginia coalfield leaders’ perspectives on new energy technologies in their communities and details best practices for community engagement for energy projects.

Our Mountain Ascent monthly newsletter shares highlights from Southwest Virginia's new economy.

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