The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) has invested in producing its own clean, renewable energy by going solar.
Officials from the Division of Energy (DE) were charged by the governor and legislature to lead agencies, institutions of higher education and the private sector businesses throughout the state to take advantage of renewable energy. The Virginia state agency released a statewide request for proposals in May 2018 and after some consideration, DMME chose to partner with Altenergy, a solar energy provider, for the construction of its new PV solar system.
“This solar installation contributed directly to the mission of our agency and the goals of deploying renewable energy in Virginia,” said DMME Director John Warren. “This system will offset half of the energy our employees use at our office in Big Stone Gap. It is another positive step towards protection of the environment and economic development in southwest Virginia.”
Altenergy worked closely with DMME to design and install the complete turnkey system, consisting of 384 Solar modules. Net metering with the utility provider is expected to reduce electrical costs to the agency. The system is expected to produce over 180,000 kWh annually, and will serve as a teaching tool to the adjacent community college and other agencies and industries in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“Altenergy is always excited to partner with the DMME on complex design/build projects like Big Stone Gap,” said Paul Risberg, president of Altenergy. “This 140-kW solar energy system will greatly reduce electrical costs and represents another wise investment in clean, renewable solar energy by the Commonwealth.”
News item from Altenergy
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