Current:Home > NewsCoal-producing West Virginia is converting an entire school system to solar power-VaTradeCoin
Coal-producing West Virginia is converting an entire school system to solar power
lotradecoin app download and installation View Date:2024-12-25 23:20:54
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — An entire county school system in coal-producing West Virginia is going solar, representing what a developer and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s office touted on Wednesday as the biggest-ever single demonstration of sun-powered renewable electricity in Appalachian public schools.
The agreement between Wayne County Schools and West Virginian solar installer and developer Solar Holler builds on historic investments in coal communities made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which Democratic Sen. Manchin had a major role in shaping through his role as Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair.
Manchin, who announced this month that he wouldn’t run for reelection in the deep-red state, citing an increasingly polarized political system, was quick Wednesday to tout U.S. President Joe Biden’s 2022 landmark climate, health and tax law, which placed special emphasis on creating new clean energy jobs.
“Let’s be clear — this investment in Wayne County is a direct result of the Inflation Reduction Act,” he said in a written statement. “This type of investment in rural America to create jobs, make our country more energy secure and lower electric costs is exactly what the IRA was designed to do.”
Through changes to tax code, the bipartisan legislation included incentives for projects placed in coal communities including Wayne County, new financing options to increase investment in energy infrastructure and funding to boost domestic manufacturing of energy technologies.
The solar project represents the largest power purchase agreement ever signed in West Virginia, and is expected to save the school system $6.5 million over the course of the 25-year agreement, according to the developer. In 2021, the GOP-dominated state Legislature passed a law facilitating solar deployment in the historically fossil fuel-dependent state. The law legalized power purchase agreements, which allows entities such as the Wayne County Schools to purchase energy generated by Solar Holler-owned systems without upfront capital investment.
Wayne County Schools Superintendent Todd Alexander said the anticipated financial impact of the project, set to be completed in 2025, is enough to fund the salaries of three additional teachers for the duration of their careers.
“Transitioning to solar power resonates beyond economics — it’s a commitment to nurturing our students and community,” he said in a statement.
The schools are currently powered by American Electric Power, one of the nation’s largest electricity generators. As of 2022, the company depended on coal for 41% of its power generation, compared with 23% for hydroelectricity, wind, solar and pumped storage. In 2005, the company utilized coal for 70% of its power generation, and renewables for 4%.
Dan Conant, Solar Holler Founder and CEO, said some of his staff graduated from Wayne County Schools or have kids who are students there now. He said the project is an example of the state maintaining its legacy of energy production while transitioning to a cleaner model.
“It’s the heart of coal country, where our state’s proud history of energy production is rooted,” he said. “It’s literally the community that’s helped build our business, so we’re really grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on what solar can do for public institutions and education systems right here in Southern West Virginia.”
All together, up to 10,000 solar panels are expected to deliver as much as 5.33 Megawatts of power to Wayne County Schools each year. Solar Holler estimates the first schools to be solarized in early 2024 and the others to go online on a rolling basis in the following 12 to 18 months.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Mega Millions winning numbers for Tuesday, Dec. 10 drawing: $619 million lottery jackpot
- Matt Damon Reveals Why He Missed Out on $250 Million Offer to Star in Avatar
- Author Maia Kobabe: Struggling kids told me my book helped them talk to parents
- The underage stars of a hit 1968 version of 'Romeo & Juliet' sue over their nude scene
- East Coast storm makes a mess at ski resorts as strong winds cause power outages
- 2022 was a good year for Nikki Grimes, who just published her 103rd book
- Baby raccoon's pitiful cries for mom are heartbreaking. Watch a boater step in to help.
- Trader Joe's has issued recalls for 2 types of cookies that could contain rocks
- What Americans think about Hegseth, Gabbard and key Trump Cabinet picks AP
- Novelist Russell Banks, dead at age 82, found the mythical in marginal lives
Ranking
- Mega Millions winning numbers for Tuesday, Dec. 10 drawing: $619 million lottery jackpot
- School on South Dakota reservation that was founded in 1888 renamed in Lakota language
- How do I stop a co-worker who unnecessarily monitors my actions? Ask HR
- Aaron Hernandez's brother Dennis arrested for allegedly planning shootings at UConn, Brown
- Singaporean killed in Johor expressway crash had just paid mum a surprise visit in Genting
- Mexico’s homicide rate dropped in 2022, but appears to flatline in 2023, official figures show
- Abortion rights amendment cleared for Ohio’s November ballot, promising expensive fight this fall
- What to know about the Hunter Biden investigations
Recommendation
-
Biden commutes roughly 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 people in biggest single
-
Triple-digit ocean temps in Florida could be a global record
-
A campaign to ask Ohio voters to legalize recreational marijuana falls short -- for now
-
Why an iPhone alert is credited with saving a man who drove off a 400-foot cliff
-
Turning dusty attic treasures into cash can yield millions for some and disappointment for others
-
Defense wants Pittsburgh synagogue shooter’s long-dead father exhumed to prove paternity
-
Gynecologist who sexually abused dozens of patients is sentenced to 20 years in prison
-
Kyle Richards Sets the Record Straight on Why She Wasn't Wearing Mauricio Umansky Wedding Ring