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Jun 10, 2023

Nonprofit Announces Ohio Valley Solar, EV Charger Co

May 13, 2023 Nonprofit Solar United Neighbors has announced the launch of the

May 13, 2023

Nonprofit Solar United Neighbors has announced the launch of the Ohio Valley Solar and EV Charger Co-op. The tri-state co-op covers the Northern Panhandle and the surrounding counties in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The co-op will help families in the region discover the benefits of solar energy.

The co-op is free to join, and joining isn't a commitment to purchase a system, according to SUN. The organization facilitates a competitive bidding process during which co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations. SUN serves as a vendor-neutral information source. Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar. Instead, members will have the option to individually purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers based on the selected installer's bid.

"High energy costs and energy burden impact families across our region," said Leah Barbor, West Virginia Program Director for Solar United Neighbors. "The solar co-op is our opportunity to have a choice about where our energy comes from."

Partners hosting the Ohio Valley Solar Co-op include the West Virginia Electric Auto Association, West Virginia Environmental Council, Morgantown Green Team, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Clean Air Council, Center For Coalfield Justice, Rural Action, Drive Electric Southeast Ohio, West Virginia New Jobs Coalition, Physicians For Social Responsibility PA, and Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC).

"Solar works and the co-op makes going solar simple," said Mryia Williams, Ohio Program Associate for Solar United Neighbors. "I know this from personal experience. I was a co-op member before I joined SUN."

"We listen to communities because they know best the solutions that need to be prioritized for common challenges," said Heather Sprouse, spokesman for Ohio River Coordinator. "Residents say that to achieve our goals of a clean and healthy environment as well as a just transition to abundant family-supporting jobs in a low-carbon economy, we must increase access to renewable energy, like solar."

Solar United Neighbors has completed nearly 400 solar co-ops across the United States. According to the group's estimates, 8,290 homes and businesses across the state now have solar panels because of solar co-ops, representing megawatts of solar power, $178.1 million invested in the economy, 1,200 jobs, and nearly two million pounds of lifetime carbon offsets.

SUN will host several free information sessions to educate community members about solar energy and the co-op. Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for the co-op or one of the upcoming information sessions at the co-op web page www.solarunitedneighbors.org/ohiovalley.

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