Solar Incentives & Financing in West Virginia

What type of solar incentives are available?

Several types of incentives can help you go solar.

Learn the basics

West Virginia does not currently offer any state-specific incentives.

REAP

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and/or loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems. They are available for energy efficiency improvements as well.

How do I know if my farm or small business qualifies for REAP?

What does the REAP program provide?

  • Competitive grants are available for up to 25 percent of total eligible project costs.
  • Loan guarantees are available for up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.
  • You can combine a grant with a loan for up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.

How can I get help applying for a REAP grant?

Financing

Power Purchase Agreements

In 2021, West Virginia became the 29th state to allow Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). PPAs are a widely available method to finance distributed energy generation projects.

How do Power Purchase Agreements work?

  • A tax-paying third-party developer installs, owns, and operates a distributed energy system on a customer’s property,
  • A customer purchases the system’s electric output at a fixed rate – generally lower than that of the local electric utility- for a predetermined time period, usually 15-25 years

Who can use a Power Purchase Agreement?

  • Municipalities and governments
  • Commercial businesses and manufacturers
  • Tax-exempt entities like schools, churches, hospitals, and nonprofits
  • Farms
  • Homeowners

How do Power Purcahse Agreements benefit customers?

  • Electric savings from day one
  • Little to no upfront cost
  • Stabilized energy costs
  • Protection against utility rate increases
  • PPAs allow tax-exempt customers to benefit from tax credits through the project’s developer

Considering a Power Purchase Agreement in West Virginia? Learn more about them here.