Covenant House of West Virginia has partnered with Everybody Solar to bring solar power to its facility. The new 27.8 kW solar system is expected to cover 35% of the organization’s annual electricity expenses.
Covenant House Advances with New 27.8 kW Solar Array
Covenant House in Charleston is taking a bold step toward sustainability by installing a 27.8 kW solar array, consisting of 87 solar panels. This initiative is a significant move to reduce the organization’s environmental impact and enhance its energy efficiency. The solar array is projected to produce 30,581 kWh of clean electricity annually, offsetting about 35% of Covenant House’s 99,404 kWh yearly electricity usage.
Solar Array
Beyond cutting operational costs by harnessing solar energy, the project will serve as an educational tool for residents and the wider community, highlighting the importance of renewable energy in building a sustainable future.
Everybody Solar’s Project Targets Carbon Reduction
This project marks Everybody Solar’s first in West Virginia, a state traditionally reliant on coal. In 2022, coal-fired power plants accounted for 89% of the state’s total electricity generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), making its grid the most carbon-intensive in the U.S. This initiative represents a crucial step toward diversifying West Virginia’s energy mix and reducing its carbon emissions.
Myriam Scally, Executive Director of Everybody Solar, said, “Bringing solar power to Covenant House in Charleston is a significant milestone for Everybody Solar. It’s not just about cutting electricity costs; it’s about creating a sustainable future for a community that has traditionally depended on coal.
“We’re proud to support Covenant House’s mission by enabling them to redirect savings into essential services for those in need, while also promoting environmental stewardship in West Virginia.”
Covenant House Embraces Solar Power for Community Benefits
This solar project is more than just a cost-saving measure; it’s an opportunity for engagement and education at Covenant House. As an organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families facing homelessness and hardship, Covenant House embraces innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and the community.
“Implementing solar power at Covenant House will reduce our annual electricity costs by 35%, freeing up resources to enhance vital support services directly,” said Briana Martin, Executive Director of Covenant House of West Virginia. “Additionally, the solar array serves as an important educational resource for both our beneficiaries and the broader community.”