Solar Holler
Solar Holler , a solar developer in Shepherdstown , WV , joined forces with Coalfield in 2015 . Solar Holler works with individual homeowners , businesses , charities and munici palities to harness the sun ’ s clean energy .
“ Central Appalachia has powered our nation for generations and more than deserves to be a part of , and benefit from , this next-generation in energy technology ,” says Jessica Edgerly Walsh , director of marketing at Solar Holler .
Solar Holler tackled its first install in 2014 , with some outsidethe-box funding . The company installed a solar array on Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church using crowdsourcing through church members ’ home efficiency savings . Today , still reaching out with innovative funding for its customers , Solar Holler offers group rates for its services in the southeastern counties of the state . The company is closing in on its 400th solar installation .
With the joint mission to move Appalachia forward , Solar Holler and Coalfield Development partnered to launch Rewire
Photo by Karla Gulker / Solar Holler . Appalachia and ran the initiative together from 2015-2018 . Forty Coalfield trainees completed the intensive training , which included North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certification and on-the-job training alongside Solar Holler ’ s workforce . Eight of those 40 joined the Solar Holler team as full-time employees .
“ We created a pathway into the solar industry for folks living in the heart of coal country ,” says Walsh . “ Our business is about building opportunity , wealth and resiliency in our communities with solar . Core to our success is workforce development .”
Today , Solar Holler is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and continues to create solar training opportunities in order to grow a strong workforce in this new energy source . Some of its projects include The Peddler Brewery in Huntington , Appalachian Headwaters in Lewisburg , Shepherd University ’ s library , dozens of nonprofits and small businesses and hundreds of private homes .
Solar Holler is one of Coalfield Developments SEED partners , and Coalfield is a minor shareholder in the company . With a team of 45 and expansion planned , Walsh says Solar Holler ’ s future looks bright .
“ We are planning on continued growth and innovation ,” she says . “ We ’ re proud to offer high-quality equipment installed by a team of trained electricians with decades of experience and innovative financing mechanisms that meet our customers ’ financial goals . The more homes and businesses we help go solar , the more we ’ re able to grow our team and create homegrown job opportunities .”
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE