New Utility-Scale Solar Site in West Virginia Strengthens Renewable Energy Commitment

New Solar Site Generating Energy in Berkeley County, West Virginia

Mon Power and Potomac Edison, both subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., recently celebrated the launch of their third utility-scale solar site in West Virginia. Located in Berkeley County, the new solar facility covers 36 acres and is designed to meet the electricity needs of the region while promoting sustainability. This project adds to the growing renewable energy landscape in the state, which is increasingly vital in response to rising energy demands.

The solar installation boasts over 17,000 panels capable of generating up to 5.75 megawatts of renewable energy. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, this output is sufficient to power an average of 1,000 homes across the nation. The solar site is strategically positioned alongside Interstate 81 and the Potomac River, utilizing previously contaminated land from the R. Paul Smith Power Station, which was a former ash landfill.

In 2022, FirstEnergy undertook significant environmental work to close the ash landfill, successfully removing more than three million tons of ash for use in cement manufacturing. This redevelopment into a solar site serves the dual purpose of cleaning up environmental hazards while creating renewable energy capacity. The transition to solar power aligns with West Virginia's legislative goals to incorporate more renewable energy into the state's grid.

"Our solar projects create construction jobs, support U.S. manufacturing, and help us accommodate the increasing demand for electricity," stated Dan Rossero, Vice President of FirstEnergy. The construction effort leveraged local union labor, emphasizing economic development within the Berkeley County region. All equipment, including solar panels, were produced in the United States, reflecting a commitment to American manufacturing.

As part of a broader initiative announced by the West Virginia Legislature in 2020, Mon Power and Potomac Edison are authorized to manage up to 200 megawatts of solar generation capacity. This legislation encourages the development of solar projects on derelict or industrial properties, fostering economic growth while aiding companies in meeting their commitments to renewable energy sources.

The new solar site is one of five planned projects that will collectively produce 50 megawatts of solar energy. Previous installations include the Fort Martin Power Station with 18.9 megawatts and the Rivesville solar site generating 5.5 megawatts. Combined, these projects signify a crucial step towards a sustainable energy future for West Virginia, adding a total of 30 megawatts of solar capacity at present.

Moreover, the solar initiative will generate more than 87,000 Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) available to customers, ensuring they can contribute to the state’s renewable energy movement. SRECs represent the environmental benefits of solar power and serve as a tangible asset for customers who prioritize sustainability in their energy choices.

To ensure broad participation, Mon Power and Potomac Edison have enrolled a variety of customers, including residential and large institutional clients. Noteworthy participants include the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) located in Morgantown and the historic town of Harpers Ferry. The cost for consumers to purchase SRECs through this initiative is set at a modest 4 cents per kilowatt-hour on top of standard rates, opening the door for more stakeholders to engage in renewable energy practices.

For more information about subscriptions to the solar program or additional inquiries, residents are encouraged to visit firstenergycorp.com/WVsolar or call 1-800-505-7283. Mon Power currently serves approximately 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia, while Potomac Edison caters to 285,000 customers across seven Maryland counties and 155,000 in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

In conclusion, this new solar initiative not only addresses immediate energy needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term sustainability within the region. The collaboration between Mon Power, Potomac Edison, and local communities exemplifies how innovative solar solutions can drive both economic and environmental benefits, setting a promising example for future energy projects.