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Community solar in West Virginia

• Factsheet

April 24, 2024

What is community solar?

Community solar makes it possible for everyone to go solar, but West Virginia law currently does not allow it. There is a bill moving through our legislature to change this.

With community solar, you can purchase or lease a “share” in a community solar project or start a project with your neighbors. Every month, you receive a credit on your electricity bill for the energy produced by your share.

Everyone should have access to community solar

We believe that everyone should be able to go solar, whether on their home or through a subscription to a community solar project. Solar is a way to reduce your energy bills, save money, and live your values.

Community solar began with a simple idea. People shouldn’t have to put a solar panel on their own roof to benefit from the electricity it generates. This idea is in the process of dramatically changing the way we get our electricity. In the digital age, it should be easy to take production somewhere on your local electric grid and attribute it to your utility bill account. Consumers no longer need to depend on analog wires and dials. Community solar, when done right, can provide solar access to everyone.

How can community solar benefit West Virginia?

Bringing community solar to the Mountain State would significantly lower energy costs, create thousands of local jobs, drive market competition, and help ensure that all West Virginians have the ability to choose where our energy comes from.

A recent study by West Virginians for Energy Freedom estimated that installing 200 megawatts (MW) of community solar projects in the state would: 

• Save community solar subscribers $2.6–$5.3 million per year (collectively) on their electric bills
• Create more than 1,630 direct jobs and an additional related 2,500 jobs
• Generate $386.3 million in new sales