Co-op forms to help agricultural producers go solar

WV SUN is excited to launch an effort to help agricultural producers go solar. The goal of this program is to help farmers across the state access the benefits of solar energy with technical support from WV SUN. This program is open to West Virginia agricultural producers for whom at least 50% of gross income comes from on-site agricultural operations.

Members of the Ag Producers’ Solar Co-op will gain access to helpful resources and regular email updates, as well as individualized support and assistance from WV SUN Solar Co-op Coordinator Autumn Long throughout the process.

WV SUN will connect participants with funding resources, including grant opportunities and guaranteed loan-financing programs, available for West Virginia agricultural producers. It also plans to help co-op members solicit proposals from qualified local solar installers and help them select the option that best fits their individual needs. The group will support, advise, and advocate for members throughout the entire process of going solar.

WV SUN Solar Co-op Coordinator Autumn Long attended the WV Small Farms Conference in Charleston earlier this month to promote the new co-op to conference attendees, including West Virginia farmers of all ages and levels of experience, agricultural advocates, community groups, and government organizations. Autumn enjoyed talking with hundreds of West Virginia farmers and their supporters about the benefits and affordability of solar energy.

Autumn will speak on a Sustainable Energy Panel at Eastern Technical & Community College on Thursday, March 2, at 5 p.m. For more information and to RSVP for this event, contact Tina Metzer, 304-897- 2007, tina.metzer@easternwv.edu.

To learn more and sign up for the Ag Producers’ Solar Co-op, visit the WV SUN website or contact Autumn Long, Solar Co-op Coordinator, 304-608-3539, autumn@wvsun.org.