Solar Holler representatives man a tent, promoting the Eastern Panhandle Solar Collaborative, in entrance of the enterprise’ constructing alongside German Street, in the course of the Shepherdstown StreetFest 2022 on Saturday afternoon. Tabitha Johnston
SHEPHERDSTOWN — Now by way of July 31, native residents can participate in a brand new initiative, the Eastern Panhandle Solar Collaborative.
The collaborative, in keeping with Solar Holler Community Marketing Manager Karina Centeno, was created by a committee of native residents and Solar Holler, who needed to discover a option to make solar energy extra inexpensive.
“We were approached by Tommy Trask, who was not an existing customer, but really wanted to go solar and mentioned his community was also in need of solar and mainly battery systems. Their power was constantly going out, so we let them know of this program that we offer to help them all go solar!” Centeno stated, mentioning a couple of different communities in West Virginia have been provided group reductions like this earlier than, which grant all members a reduction so long as their contracts have been signed by the group low cost’s deadline.
The results of the Eastern Panhandle Solar Collaborative’s work, is a bunch low cost for solar and battery back-up methods on properties, companies and nonprofits. The effectivity of putting in a bunch of methods shut collectively inside a selected time period will get monetary savings for Solar Holler, making the group low cost doable.
“[The cost of solar panel installation is the primary reason people avoid going solar], and also many people are not informed on the benefits of solar and the power of producing your own electricity. However this year’s tax benefit of 26 percent and combined group discount will make solar more affordable than ever!” Centeno stated, referring to the federal solar funding tax credit score.
“The more folks go solar, the larger the discount grows,” Centeno stated, mentioning a solar system has a lifespan of 35-40 years, 25 of that are assured by Solar Holler. “No additional expenses are needed when someone goes solar. The cost depends on the needs of the homeowner, what their electric consumption and needs look like and also if they plan on purchasing an electric vehicle that they would like to charge at home. The system is low maintenance and does not require additional work once they go up.”
According to Centeno, Solar Holler is ready to full the set up of solar panels and/or a battery inside a two-day time interval. Including a solar panel-charged battery in a solar system prices an extra $500, however that value is perhaps value it, for some native residents.
“The reason most customers purchase the batteries, is because they experience constant power outages. Also, if a terrible winter storm hits, they can still have power,” Centeno stated. “We are told by our customers that this is the easiest and fastest home improvement project they have ever done.”
Those taken with taking part in becoming a member of the collaborative are inspired to contact 304-362-9615 or information@solarholler.com.
“This group discount not only provides savings of up to $2,500, but also brings communities together,” Centeno stated. “Utility rates won’t stop rising, they just went up this month again, plus FirstEnergy is looking for an additional nine percent increase in Potomac Edison territory — we want to make sure folks have another option. Our Neighborhood Group Discount program is our largest discount offering. On top of that, the solar tax benefits are set to drop at the end of this year. Combine those two opportunities, and going solar will likely never be more affordable for Potomac Edison customers.”
