2019 West Virginia Solar Congress

West Virginia Program Director Autumn Long addresses Solar Congress attendees

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2019 West Virginia Solar Congress!

The West Virginia Solar Congress is a free annual public conference that brings together solar supporters from across the state to learn and discuss the current status and future of solar energy in the state. The day included a series of presentations about solar technology and policy topics as well as ways to get involved with growing solar in our local communities. The event concluded with a participatory open forum for all attendees to discuss priorities and opportunities for solar supporters in West Virginia in the coming year.

Presentations

Introduction to Solar PV

Learn the basics of solar PV technology and how to lower your energy costs by going solar. Join the Charleston-Huntington Solar Co-op and become a member of Solar United Neighbors.
- Autumn Long, Program Director, Solar United Neighbors of West Virginia

Capturing the Solar Dollar: Sustainable economic development opportunities in West Virginia from investments in solar

From locally-owned business and employment opportunities to large-scale corporate investment in our state, learn about the economic development opportunities solar can provide for West Virginia communities and residents.
- Part one: Joey James, Downstream Strategies
- Part two: Hannah Vargason, Natural Capital Investment Fund

Electric Vehicles and Driving on Sunshine: Turning light into light speed

Electric cars and solar-powered homes have arrived in West Virginia. Learn more about joining these technologies together at your home.
- Part one: Marty Weirick, Charleston: President, West Virginia Electric Auto Association
- Part two: Robert Fernatt, Falling Waters: Solar homeowner and EV driver; Solar United Neighbors of West Virginia advisory board member

Solar Policy Priorities for West Virginia

Learn about pro-solar policies from around the country that would benefit West Virginia, including the West Virginians for Energy Freedom campaign to legalize power purchase agreements for on-site renewable energy generation facilities in the state.
- Part one: James van Nostrand, Director, WVU College of Law Center for Energy and Sustainable Development
- Autumn Long, Program Director, Solar United Neighbors of West Virginia

Energy Efficiency for the Home and Business

Energy efficiency in conjunction with renewable energy generation will compound savings, can minimize upfront system costs, and will improve the comfort of the home. In this presentation we will explain how energy efficiency bridges the gap between energy production and consumption while ensuring adequate indoor air quality and reduced reliance on the power grid.
- Xavier Walter, WV Home Builders Association Foundation

Solar + Storage

Energy storage is crucial to the widespread adoption of renewable energy. Residential and commercial energy storage systems are becoming more common and affordable. Find out how battery storage works and how it interacts with the energy produced from solar.
- Autumn Long, Program Director, Solar United Neighbors of West Virginia