Covenant House of West Virginia has teamed up with Everybody Solar to utilize solar energy for its facility. The proposed 27.8 kW solar system is expected to meet 35% of Covenant House’s annual electricity expenses.
Covenant House Advances with New 27.8 kW Solar Array
Covenant House in Charleston is taking a bold step towards sustainability with the installation of a 27.8 kW solar array, which comprises 87 solar panels. This initiative marks a significant move to reduce environmental impact while enhancing energy efficiency. Annually, the solar array is projected to produce 30,581 kWh of clean electricity, offsetting about 35% of Covenant House’s annual electricity expenses, which amount to 99,404 kWh per year.
Solar Array
The project not only aims to cut operational costs by harnessing solar energy, but it also serves as an educational tool for residents and the wider community, thus highlighting the importance of renewable energy in building a sustainable future.
Everybody Solar's Project Targets Carbon Reduction
This project represents Everybody Solar's initial campaign into West Virginia, a state traditionally reliant on coal. In 2022, coal-fired power plants accounted for 89% of West Virginia'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 is a crucial step towards diversifying the state's energy mix and reducing its carbon emissions.
Myriam Scally, Executive Director of Everybody Solar, highlighted: “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. 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. Additionally, the solar array serves as an important educational resource for both our beneficiaries and the broader community." said Briana Martin, Executive Director of Covenant House of West Virginia.