Securing Solar for Southwest Virginia
On September 2, 2020, The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia launched an innovative partnership with Secure Futures LLC, Mountain Empire Community College, and GOT Electric to provide commercial-scale solar installations in the coalfield region that are specifically designed to employ local workers. The initiative, “Securing Solar For Southwest Virginia,” 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. Read coverage from Energy News Network here.
Securing Solar for Building Owners in SWVA
Go solar and support local jobs with the Solar Workgroup and Securing Solar for SWVA program! Stay posted for upcoming webinars and resources.
Securing Solar Jobs for SWVA
As part of Securing Solar for SWVA, Secure Futures will provide start-up funds for Lonesome Pine Solar and hire a SWVA-based project coordinator for this program. Additionally, Secure Futures is awarding a $50,000 grant to Mountain Empire Community College to fund solar installation apprenticeships and faculty mentoring. Lonesome Pine Solar will employ graduates of the college’s programs and provide the installation services for solar projects throughout SWVA.
Persons interested in future solar training or job opportunities can sign up here to receive announcements.
More Information about the Initiative
Securing Solar for SWVA aims to achieve significant goals over the next three years, including (1) develop more than 10 MW of commercial-scale solar installations in the coalfield region, (2) create 15 new full-time solar-related jobs, both in construction and non-construction, as well as new opportunities for entrepreneurship and small business development, and (3) to develop at least one school or municipal project in each of the seven coalfield counties, all by the end of 2023.