Huntington – The 376 solar panel project at Colefield Development's West Edge Factory in the Westmoreland area of Huntington is the largest nonprofit in West Virginia.
“The installation of these 376 panels is the culmination of a longstanding collaboration between Solar Horror and Colefield Development,” said Brandon Denison, CEO of Colefield Development. “Our nature conservation coordinator Jacob Hannah did this in collaboration with the sun horror Danconant and his team. Our community is ideally suited for this. “
Denison called it “more than a simple solar installation project”.
“It was a combination of human resource development, social engagement and green infrastructure projects,” he said.
The total cost of the project is $ 184,000, according to Hannah. With an annual production of 150,500 kW, it produces 122.2 kW of electricity.
“We were looking for a way to finance the installation of sunlight in the building,” explains Hannah. “As a solar installer, we used to distribute solar to private households and companies, but as a non-profit organization we couldn't afford to install solar systems in our buildings. World famous climber Alex Honnold was the first person to freely climb El Capitan, the largest granite monolith in the world, in Yosemite National Park in the rugged Sierra Nevada of central California. One third of the total amount will be allocated to the foundation for the installation of solar power in developing areas. He claimed that Appalachia was a developing area, especially the transition of coal. So we received a grant of $ 100,000. “
Solar Horror recently completed the part of the solar panel installation project.
“It took you about three or four weeks,” said Hannah. “Now we're all waiting for the last connection to reach the counter. This reads the savings that will be generated. We have signed a contract with AEP and electricity flows into the grid. , Confirm that the measurement is correct. “
According to Hannah, the ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for late August or early September.
“Of all the amazing work that has been done at Colefield over the past 11 years, it is one of the greatest surprises and the most rewarding of our efforts to be part of the Sun's movement. It's also one of the parts of it, ”said Denison. “In 2014 Danconant called me and asked if I would like to help train a future new Primary workforce in West Virginia. I'm glad I said yes. As a result, a wholly owned subsidiary of Coalfield Development. A thing called Rewire Appalachia was created. “
Rewire has been hiring solar horror equipment for several years, according to Denison.
“In 2019, Solar Horror actually acquired Rewire and Callfield Development became a minority shareholder in the solar horror business,” he said. “If I had been told that our solar company was one of the fastest growing companies of any company we founded at Callfield in 2010, I would have made you laugh. But the solar horror continues to push the boundaries of renewable energy potential here in West Virginia. Accompanied by the ride and our role in breaking down the sun. I am really honored to do so. “
At the West Edge Factory, one of the interior walls has a sticker design that says “Solar Keep the Light On”.
“Part of the installation was the foundation that wanted to design a sticker to be sold as a fundraiser to commemorate the project,” said Hannah.
“It's a play on words,“ Coal holds the light, ”that we often hear. Well, these are the people who are affected by the re-qualified coal that sells the sun who also keeps the lights on. “
A new report from global asset management company Morgan Stanley predicts that coal-fired power is likely to disappear from the U.S. electricity grid by 2033 and be replaced primarily by renewable energy sources. I'm going.
Renewable energies like sun and wind will provide about 39% of US electricity by 2030 and 55% by 2035, according to a report by Morgan Stanley.
Coal currently accounts for about 20% of US electricity generation, according to the US Energy Information Administration, and could rebound to 22% this year due to rising natural gas prices.
However, Morgan Stanley predicts that a slight increase will be short-lived and that coal will experience a “later decline”.
Coal mining is one of the reasons the project is important to the Westmoreland and Wayne Counties communities, Denison said.
“It is important for our entire Appalachian region,” he said. “I've heard so many different arguments from so many skeptics as to why solar power doesn't work in West Virginia, but in reality it still works. The solar industry continues to grow and creates new jobs. A new economy is really possible here, and this project proves it. And this new economy is more than the boom and bankruptcy of the old economy than ever. It could be better for the people of the world. “
West Virginia's Largest Solar Project for Nonprofits Almost Completed | Companies
Source Link West Virginia's Largest Nonprofit Solar Project Almost Completed | Companies