Solar Co-Ops Developing Across State

Cooperatives aimed at reducing the costs of residential solar arrays are sprouting up around West Virginia.

The Charleston Gazette says the nonprofit WV Sun has helped form co-ops in the city of Charleston and Fayette and Monroe counties. Similar collectives are beginning to take shape in Wheeling and Morgantown.

Community Power Network spokesman Ben Delman said purchasing solar units through a co-op is a better deal for consumers. Co-op members typically save around 20 percent on systems that can cost around $15,000 to install.

Community Power Network has launched more than 30 solar co-ops in Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

Tuesday, WV Sun is sponsoring the first meeting for the Charleston solar co-op at the West Virginia State University Economic Development Center.