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SHEPHERDSTOWN — Now through July 31, local residents can take part in a new initiative, the Eastern Panhandle Solar Collaborative.
The collaborative, according to Solar Holler Community Marketing Manager Karina Centeno, was created by a committee of local residents and Solar Holler, who wanted to find a way to make solar energy more affordable.
“We were approached by Tommy Trask, who was not an existing customer, but really wanted to go solar and mentioned his community was also in need of solar and mainly battery systems. Their power was constantly going out, so we let them know of this program that we offer to help them all go solar!” Centeno said, mentioning a few other communities in West Virginia have been offered group discounts like this before, which grant all participants a discount as long as their contracts have been signed by the group discount’s deadline.
The result of the Eastern Panhandle Solar Collaborative’s work, is a group discount for solar and battery back-up systems on homes, businesses and nonprofits. The efficiency of installing a group of systems close together within a specific period of time will save money for Solar Holler, making the group discount possible.
“[The cost of solar panel installation is the primary reason people avoid going solar], and also many people are not informed on the benefits of solar and the power of producing your own electricity. However this year’s tax benefit of 26 percent and combined group discount will make solar more affordable than ever!” Centeno said, referring to the federal solar investment tax credit.
“The more folks go solar, the larger the discount grows,” Centeno said, mentioning a solar system has a lifespan of 35-40 years, 25 of which are guaranteed by Solar Holler. “No additional expenses are needed when someone goes solar. The cost depends on the needs of the homeowner, what their electric consumption and needs look like and also if they plan on purchasing an electric vehicle that they would like to charge at home. The system is low maintenance and does not require additional work once they go up.”
According to Centeno, Solar Holler is able to complete the installation of solar panels and/or a battery within a two-day time period. Including a solar panel-charged battery in a solar system costs an additional $500, but that price might be worth it, for some local residents.
“The reason most customers purchase the batteries, is because they experience constant power outages. Also, if a terrible winter storm hits, they can still have power,” Centeno said. <span …….