We know that eastern Kentucky will need to diversify its energy use and consumption in the years to come, and one promising way to do this is by investing more in solar. Solar creates work opportunities, and helps lower electric bills, while transforming the way we make energy in the region.
The Whitesburg-based media, arts and cultural center, Appalshop, unveiled the largest net-metered solar energy system in eastern Kentucky last Friday, June 7, 2019. The system will generate more than 12 houses’ worth of electricity, more than any other renewable system in the region. Together, the panels will produce 60-70 percent of Appalshop’s monthly energy usage (some months, over 100 percent).
They are now the second of three organizations in Whitesburg scheduled to install solar at their facility in 2019! HOMES, Inc., a housing nonprofit, was the first with their installation completed on May 31. Hemphill Community Center’s installation began on Monday, June 10.
The ribbon cutting for Appalshop’s solar kicked off their annual festival, Seedtime on the Cumberland, and helps mark the organization’s 50th anniversary.
The organization is also part of the Letcher County Culture Hub, a county-wide network of grassroots groups that are committed to economic development through collaboration, cooperation and cultural celebration. The Hub includes among its members the Hemphill Community Center, located in a former coal camp, which operates a wood-fired bakery to supplement its income, provide jobs, and bolster its community programming; the Kings Creek Volunteer Fire Department, which goes beyond its firefighting mission to address issues such as the opioid epidemic; HOMES Inc., which builds quality energy efficient affordable housing, and contributes to tourism by building scenic overlooks and improving the walkability of downtowns.
Member organizations of the Hub found themselves at risk of shutting their doors because of rising energy costs and new demand-charge rates from Kentucky Power. They turned to solar as an achievable way to reduce energy costs, support a growing regional industry, and generate long-term employment opportunities as the economy continues to diversify.
Overall, the projects reflect more than $500,000 of long-term investment by MACED in critical community institutions — the largest renewable energy project in the history of Letcher County (you can donate to the Hub organizations to help them pay for their solar projects here).
These projects follow in the footsteps of other communities across eastern Kentucky who have explored and implemented solar installations, from the Kentucky Coal Museum and the Campton Baptist Church to the cities of Lynch, Livingston and Mt. Vernon.
Solar is leading toward a new energy future and building toward Appalachia’s New Day.
About: Appalachia’s New Day is a new storytelling effort offered by MACED to eastern Kentucky communities. We can work with you to help identify, shape and amplify stories about businesses, programs and initiatives in your community that are helping build a new economy in eastern Kentucky. Contact us or sign up here if you would like more details.
