Staunton, VA, Feb. 05, 2025 – The Coalfield Solar Fund, an initiative supporting K-12 schools in historic coal-producing regions of Virginia and West Virginia in adopting clean energy and workforce development programs, has successfully completed solar power installations at a school district in each state.

In Virginia, Lee County Schools now benefit from 451 kilowatts of solar power, while Calhoun County Schools in West Virginia have gained a 600-kilowatt solar system. Both projects were finalized in December 2024 and are expected to generate a combined savings of $4.1 million in energy costs over the next 35 years.

Each school district received a $75,000 grant from the Coalfield Solar Fund to assist in obtaining solar energy systems and launching workforce development programs. The fund is a collaborative effort involving global technology company Intuit, which provides grant funding; the National Energy Educational Development Project, which delivers energy education to K-12 students; and Secure Solar Futures, responsible for the development, operation, and maintenance of the solar installations.

“For more than a century, coalfield communities in Virginia and West Virginia produced energy to power the American economy,” said Anthony Smith, CEO and Founder of Secure Solar Futures. “Today, the Coalfield Solar Fund is bringing innovation and jobs to help these same communities power the 21st-century economy starting with solar power on schools and workforce development for students.”

The solar panels, manufactured by Jinko Solar, were installed by Got Electric of Ijamsville, MD, a construction partner of Secure Solar Futures.

Solar Installations at Lee County Schools, VA

Lee County Schools have received solar installations at two locations:

• Dryden Elementary School – 544 solar panels with a 253-kilowatt capacity.
• Thomas Walker High School – 426 solar panels making up a 198-kilowatt system.

Together, these installations cover 70% of the schools' energy needs and are projected to save the district $2 million in energy costs over 35 years. During their first year, the solar arrays will generate approximately 602,510 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, equivalent to powering 45 homes annually while preventing 481 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—a carbon offset equal to 483 acres of forest.This new development builds upon Secure Solar Futures' 2021 solar installations at five Lee County school locations, which had a combined capacity of 967 kilowatts. With the latest additions, Lee County Schools now boast 1,418 kilowatts of total solar capacity across seven locations.Solar Installations at Calhoun County Schools, WVCalhoun County Schools also gained solar energy systems at two campuses:

• Calhoun Middle/High School (Mt. Zion) – 1,000 solar panels generating 465 kilowatts.
• Pleasant Hill Elementary School (Grantsville) – 289 panels providing 135 kilowatts.

These systems, with a total capacity of 600 kilowatts, will cover 36% of the district’s energy use and deliver an estimated $2.1 million in savings over 35 years. In their first year, the systems are expected to generate 724,550 kWh, supplying clean energy equivalent to 60 homes while preventing 639 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—an offset comparable to 641 acres of forest.As part of a hands-on workforce development initiative, a high school student intern played a role in installing solar equipment at Calhoun County Schools.No Upfront Cost Through Power Purchase AgreementsBoth school districts were able to adopt solar energy with zero upfront costs through a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Secure Solar Futures. Under this model, the company retains ownership and maintenance of the solar equipment while selling the generated energy to the schools at a lower rate than traditional utility prices.Calhoun County Schools mark a milestone as the first school district in West Virginia to complete a solar installation under a PPA.

The state only legalized these agreements in 2021 through House Bill 3310, making West Virginia the 29th state to allow solar PPAs.“Secure Solar Futures was proud to participate in the campaign to legalize PPAs in West Virginia as part of a coalition of solar companies and environmental advocates,” said Secure Solar Futures CEO Smith. “As the first school district in the state to start generating solar power under this new option, Calhoun County Schools has paved the way for other schools in West Virginia to enjoy the money savings and educational benefits of making their own energy.

”Expanding Solar Access for Schools in Coalfield CommunitiesThe Coalfield Solar Fund offers grants of up to $150,000 to encourage K-12 schools and community colleges in coal-producing regions of Virginia and West Virginia to adopt solar energy without upfront costs while promoting clean energy workforce development.School administrators interested in learning more about funding eligibility, program requirements, and application details can visit: https://coalfieldsolarfund.org.

About Secure Solar Futures

Secure Solar Futures, headquartered in Staunton, VA, with offices in Charleston, WV, leads the market in solar financing, development, and operations for schools, universities, hospitals, and businesses. The company integrates cutting-edge solar technology with innovative financial models, making large-scale solar energy affordable across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.In 2017, Secure Solar Futures became a Certified B Corp®, reflecting its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Learn more at www.securesolarfutures.com.