Solar and Net Metering
Solar Helps West Virginia
Solar Helps West Virginia
Solar Helps West Virginia
West Virginia currently powers 2,856 homes with solar energy. The growing solar industry directly supports nearly 400 local, family-supporting jobs, many of which are union. By protecting current policies, that number will grow exponentially in the coming years.
Electricity rates in West Virginia have increased more in the past 20 years than in any other state. Rates have more than doubled since 2005, while the cost of solar has dropped by 54% in the past decade. Solar empowers us to protect our families from increasing rates.
What's Net Metering?
Solar Helps West Virginia
Solar Helps West Virginia
Net metering is what makes solar economically viable for most folks in Appalachia. When a solar system is producing power, the homeowner uses it in real time. And when it produces more than they need (during really sunny months or while everyone’s away at school, work, vacation, etc), that power goes back onto the grid to be used at a neighbor’s home or business. Under net metering, the solar producer receives credit for that excess power equal to the retail price of electricity.
Net metering helps everyone save on energy costs, because power is used right where it’s produced - on your home, farm, church, or business. That reduces strain on the distribution and transmission system, protects everyone from emergencies and price spikes, and helps avoid costly upgrades to the grid, reducing future costs for everyone.