West Virginia Transforms Coal-Based Schools to Solar Power

On Nov 30, 2023

TL/DR –

The entire school system in Wayne County, West Virginia, is transitioning to solar power, marking the largest-ever single demonstration of solar electricity in Appalachian public schools. The project is facilitated by the Inflation Reduction Act, co-authored by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, which provides incentives for green energy projects in coal communities. Expected to be completed by 2025, the project is projected to save the school system $6.5 million over a 25-year period, equivalent to funding three additional teachers for the duration of their careers.

West Virginia County Schools Shift to Solar Power in Historic Move

In a landmark move, the entire Wayne County school system in West Virginia is transitioning to solar power. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s office and renewable energy developer Solar Holler have claimed this to be the most significant demonstration of solar-powered electricity in Appalachian public schools till date.

The collaboration between Wayne County Schools and Solar Holler is possible due to the Inflation Reduction Act’s initiatives targeting investment in coal communities. Manchin, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, played a significant role in shaping the Act.

This move underscores President Joe Biden’s 2022 landmark climate, health, and tax law emphasizing the creation of new clean energy jobs. “The IRA is designed to create jobs in rural America, make the country more energy secure, and lower electric costs”, Manchin stated.

Through tax code alterations, the bipartisan legislation affords incentives for projects like Wayne County Schools’ solar installation, new financing options to bolster energy infrastructure investment, and funding for domestic energy technology manufacturing.

Wayne County’s project, expected to save the school system $6.5 million over 25 years, is the largest power purchase agreement ever signed in West Virginia, according to Solar Holler. A 2021 law passed by the GOP-led state Legislature facilitated this solar deployment by legalizing power purchase agreements.

Superintendent Todd Alexander sees the switch to solar energy as a long-term investment in students and community, as the saved funds can cover the salaries of three additional teachers for their career spans. The solar installation, set for completion in 2025, is currently powered by American Electric Power, a national electricity generator reliant on coal for 41% of its power.

Solar Holler Founder and CEO, Dan Conant, sees this shift towards cleaner energy as a reflection of West Virginia’s rich history in energy production. He remarked, “we’re really grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on what solar can do for public institutions and education systems in Southern West Virginia.”

An estimated 10,000 solar panels will supply up to 5.33 Megawatts of power annually to Wayne County Schools. Solar Holler expects the first schools to transition to solar power in early 2024, with others following over the next 12 to 18 months.

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