In 2019, the Cummins family installed the first half of their solar array in Clintwood, VA. At just under five kilowatts, the solar panels are already providing significant reductions in the home’s utility bills throughout the year. In June of 2021, the home hosted Clintwood’s first solar open house to help inform local residents about solar energy. The Cummins’ plan to expand the array, doubling its size and output, in the coming years.
The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia is developing a locally rooted solar industry as a regional economic and social catalyst, creating jobs and energy savings, as well as attracting renewable energy investments and new business opportunities to Southwest Virginia.
My Solar Neighbors
“It will be a year or two before I know for sure, but I believe the system on a yearly basis will produce as much as I use. Right now, It is nice just having the $13.50 ODP bill each month.”
VanHomeowner
Residential Solar Financing 101 Webinar
Appalachian Voices and The Solar Workgroup hosted a webinar on “Residential Solar Financing 101: Building and Benefitting” with guest speakers from the IRS and Solar United Neighbors. Access the presentation slides and resources here.
“Communities in Virginia should consider their unique position to enter the solar industry, to foster economic growth, and position themselves as a clean energy leader. Southwest Virginia has historically been a leader in the energy industry, but as coal is phased out, the region can maintain its energy leadership by shifting to clean energy.”
Solar Workgroup Vision
Southwest Virginia is a solar leader in the Commonwealth and Central Appalachia, building on the region’s proud history as an energy
leader, working to realize the economic, environmental, and resiliency benefits of solar energy for all SWVA community members.
leader, working to realize the economic, environmental, and resiliency benefits of solar energy for all SWVA community members.
Two solar programs you need to learn more about.
Appalachian Solar Finance Fund
is a financial and technical assistance program that catalyzes solar projects in coal-impacted communities across Central Appalachia.