October is Solar Month in Southwest Virginia!

In October, residents in Southwest Virginia will have the chance to tour some of the region’s solar energy installations. Solar organizations are teaming up to showcase solar energy systems across the region as part of the 24th Annual National Solar Tour.

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Southwest Va. groups join in with world’s largest grassroots solar event

CONTACTS: Austin Counts, Appalachian Voices, 276-679-1691, austin@appvoices.org Wise County, Va. – The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia joins the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and hundreds of solar installers and grassroots organizations throughout America to showcase thousands of solar-powered homes, schools and businesses for the 24th Annual National Solar Tour, the world’s largest grassroots…

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Community discussion to focus on ecotourism in Southwest Virginia

CONTACTS: Tyler Hughes New Economy Program Manager, Appalachian Voices 276-207-8686, tyler@appvoices.org The New Economy Network of Southwest Virginia and Appalachian Voices are hosting a community discussion on ecotourism in Pennington Gap on Tuesday, August 27. The meeting is free and refreshments will be served. The community discussion will feature a panel of local residents who…

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Solar Strides in Southwest Virginia

Appalachian Voices applauds the achievement of eight Southwest Virginia municipalities for receiving SolSmart designations that will help pave the way for solar projects in the region. Additionally, the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia received state funding to identify opportunities for large-scale solar manufacturing and development

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Southwest Virginia communities first in Central Appalachia to achieve national recognition for advancing solar energy

Saint Paul, VA, July 25, 2019 – Eight Southwest Virginia communities have achieved designation under the national SolSmart program for encouraging the growth of local solar energy markets, at a time when several major solar installations on schools, businesses, and community centers are poised to begin across the region. CONTACTS: Avery Palmer, The Solar Foundation,…

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Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia recognized in national competition

Contacts: Chelsea Barnes, New Economy Program Manager chelsea@appvoices.org, 276-207-9636 Cat McCue, Communications Director cat@appvoices.org, 434-293-6373 The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office has recognized the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia in a national competition that supports community groups for innovative solar programs and their ability to reach new markets. Known as the “Solar…

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A Milestone for Southwest Virginia Solar

This spring marks a poignant milestone for solar power in Southwest Virginia’s historic coal region. A 3.5-megawatt solar array, slated to be built on a former Wise County coal mine, is moving closer to fruition. The state’s Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy chose the project to receive a half million dollars through a federal…

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