In a significant move towards sustainable operations, Covenant House of West Virginia has joined forces with the nonprofit Everybody Solar to install a new solar energy system at its Charleston facility. The 27.8-kilowatt solar installation is projected to generate 30,581 kWh of clean electricity annually, slashing the organization’s utility costs by an estimated 35% and allowing it to redirect crucial funds back into its community services.
Covenant House, which provides vital support to individuals and families facing homelessness, will now be able to allocate more resources to its core mission. “Implementing solar power at Covenant House will reduce our annual electricity costs by 35%, freeing up resources to enhance vital support services directly,” explained Briana Martin, Executive Director of Covenant House of West Virginia. She added, “Additionally, the solar array serves as an important educational resource for both our beneficiaries and the broader community.”
The project marks a milestone for Everybody Solar as its first installation in West Virginia, a state historically dependent on fossil fuels. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, coal-fired plants generated 89% of the state’s electricity in 2022, giving it the most carbon-intensive grid in the nation. This new array, consisting of 87 photovoltaic panels, represents a tangible step toward diversifying the state’s energy portfolio and reducing emissions.
Myriam Scally, Executive Director of Everybody Solar, emphasized the project’s broader impact. “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,” Scally stated. “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.”
Sources on Covenant House Partners with Everybody Solar for 27.8kW System in West Virginia
- INSTALLED Archives – Everybody Solar
- Covenant House – Everybody Solar
- 2025 Charity List – Combined Federal Campaign
- Working with Faith-Based Organizations on Affordable Housing
- Recent News – Covenant House WV
- 2024 Gathering Speakers – Appalachia Funders Network
- FY 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan – Charleston, West Virginia
- FY 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan – City of Huntington