The Southwest Virginia Solar Workgroup has published a call for proposals (RFP) for a partnership under the Southwest Virginia 2021 Residential Solar Program.
The program will provide solar installation services to homeowners in the coal field region. The working group supports this program as part of its mission to harness the development of solar energy as a means of reducing electricity costs and as an economic catalyst in the coal field region (Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise Counties).
"We are excited to make this home solar program easier for homeowners in our area to access solar energy and connect them with the local workforce who can make this an affordable reality," said Mark Moormans, Strategic Projects Manager at People Inc. It's a win-win situation: creating more economic opportunities for local businesses while increasing energy independence for their customers. "
With eight communities in southwest Virginia recognized under the national SolSmart program, the region has welcomed the growth of local solar markets. These were the first municipalities in the Central Appalachian region to apply for and receive the SolSmart award.
The working group is currently seeking proposals for a solar developer to conduct solar assessments and installations in at least two of the seven coal field counties in southwest Virginia. The program currently maintains a list of pre-registered homeowners and plans to expand the list of participants later this year. Homeowners can sign up for the program here.
The Solar Workgroup is made up of nonprofit and community action agencies, colleges, state agencies, district planning commissions, and other interested citizens and businesses looking to build a renewable energy industry cluster in the seven coalfield counties of southwest Virginia. The working group was jointly convened in 2016 by the UVA-Wise Office for Economic Development and Engagement, People Inc. and Appalachian Voices – with the support of Dialogue + Design Associates.
Proposals are due on March 24th at 5:00 p.m. EST. More information can be found here.
The RFP's Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia can be found here.