A West Virginia-based company has reached a milestone of more than $100 million contracts since 2022.
Solar Holler, a solar installation company with a footprint throughout Appalachia, said $87 million of the more than $100 million has or will be spent in the Mountain State.
The remaining funds are for projects across Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia, according to the company.
“$100 million in less than three years is on par with what some major manufacturing facilities have announced," said Solar Holler Founder and CEO Dan Conant. "The key difference is that our work is distributed across every county and hundreds of small towns, while theirs is poured into a single location. Both serve a purpose and should be celebrated.”
No taxpayer dollars contributed to the contacts, Conant said.
"Our state tax dollars in no way subsidize solar—so it’s a win-win for economic development across the state and region, particularly in coal communities where tax incentives are strongest and the need for economic stimulus is greatest.”
Energy savings delivered by the company's projects to homeowners, nonprofits, businesses and local governments are estimated to exceed $350 million.
Since its founding in 2013, the company has continued to grow. Since 2022, its staff has grown from 78 employees to 104.
West Virginia ranks 49th in nation for solar generation capacity, according to rankings from the Solar Energy Industries Association.
There is enough solar infrastructure installed in the state to power about 21,076 homes. Less than 1% of all energy produced in the state — just 0.52% — currently comes from solar.
The state's solar industry is estimated to support around 395 jobs.
The SEIA predicts some solar growth in West Virginia in the next five years. It estimates an additional 1,064 MW of capacity will be installed, which would raise the state's ranking to 40th.
As of 2023, coal-fired electric power plants accounted for 86% of West Virginia's total electricity net generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency.
Renewable energy resources — primarily wind energy and hydroelectric power — contributed 7% and natural gas also provided about 7%.
A poll of survey results conducted by Echelon Insights in 2023 showed widespread support for increased solar initiatives in West Virginia.
Results also showed general support for community solar programs, which allow residential customers to tap into power from nearby solar panels, with 69% in support (37% somewhat, 32% strongly).
Additionally, 78% of respondents said it would be a good idea for more West Virginians to own and benefit from their own solar panels, and 54% said they believe residential rooftop solar usage should be incentivized.
“No matter which way you slice it, West Virginians are strongly supportive of the concept of solar power, for residents and consumers to take advantage of solar panels and for policies that will help them do that and help them benefit from that,” said Patrick Ruffini, co-founder and partner of Echelon Insights.
Conant, who discussed the survey results during an event at the state Capitol in April 2024, said the survey data reflects the trends the company has seen over its 10-year history.
“There seems to be a misconception out there that this is something just for the country clubs,” he said. “Folks going solar, and interest in going solar, are families across all income spectrums, churches of every denomination,” he said.