Chase

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The launch of a new, local initiative, the Eastern Panhandle Solar Co-op, was discussed in an informational meeting in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education on Oct. 28.

The co-op was officially launched last week, by Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Solar United Neighbors (SUN).

“The idea is to have people who are solar home owners to be able to mingle with what we call the ‘solar curious’ — those who are interested in going solar,” said SUN West Virginia Program Associate Cory Chase. “It really is about sharing experiences and information, getting people who have questions to talk to people who already have solar. It will just be an informal gathering of people, who are interested in solar.

“SUN has hosted more than 20 solar co-ops in West Virginia since 2014, through which hundreds of homes and businesses have gone solar,” said SUN representative Seth Newmeyer. “This seems like an ongoing trend.”

According to Chase, the co-op is free to join and open to any homeowner or business owner in Berkeley County, Jefferson County and Morgan County. The deadline to join the co-op is Feb. 28, 2026. Co-op participants will then work together to identify a solar energy firm they want to contract to install solar panels on their properties at a reduced group rate. No financial commitment will be made until the contract completion deadline of April 24. The co-op will wrap up with a closing party at the end of May, around the time when the solar panels will have been installed.

“As West Virginia’s energy monopolies continue to raise rates for customers, harnessing the power of the sun is an excellent way to lower your electric bill for years to come,” Chase said, mentioning SUN’s purpose in establishing co-ops like this one, is for the purpose of consumer protection. “We’re not trying to sell stuff. We here to operate as a consumer advocate and to provide expert help.”

Similar informational meetings about the co-op will be presented by Chase throughout the Eastern Panhandle over the coming weeks.

To learn more, visit solarunitedneighbors.org/wvpanhandle, email wvteam@solarunitedneighbors.org or call 304-932-0772.