Local installers work with WV SUN to bring solar to ag producers
Three West Virginia-based solar installers are helping bring solar energy to West Virginia farms through participation in WV SUN’s Ag Producers’ Solar Co-op. DT Solar of French Creek, Mountain View Solar of Berkeley Springs, and Solar Holler of Shepherdstown responded to WV SUN’s Request for Information and are ready to help Mountain State farmers solar. These local solar installers have successfully serviced other WV SUN solar co-ops and are fully licensed and certified to operate in the state.
WV SUN will connect participating agricultural producers to these qualified installers based on each participant’s individual needs, location, and circumstances. WV SUN will help participants solicit and review solar proposals, and can connect participants to funding resources. This includes grant opportunities and guaranteed loan-financing programs. The participating solar installers also will assist participants in securing funding and financing to go solar.
Joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase solar panels. The goal of the Ag Producers’ Solar Co-op is to help West Virginia farmers access the benefits of solar energy with technical support from WV SUN. We support, advise, and advocate for participants throughout the entire process of going solar.
This program is open to West Virginia agricultural producers for whom at least 50% of gross income comes from on-site agricultural operations. We are working closely with WV agriculture organizations and stakeholders to recruit interested participants. WV SUN Solar Co-op Coordinator Autumn Long is available to speak at agriculture-related meetings and events throughout the state. She will attend the WV Farmers Market Association market managers’ training day on April 27 to educate farmers market managers about the program and how going solar can benefit their vendors.
To learn more or sign up for the co-op, visit the webpage or contact Autumn at 304-608-3539 or autumn@solarunitedneighbors.org.