All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Solar co-op launches, helping W.Va. families discover the benefits of solar

WEST VIRGINIA — Today, solar advocates announced the launch of the Tucker, Randolph, and Upshur (TRU) Solar Co-op. The co-op will help West Virginia families discover and access the benefits of solar. 

“Solar provides energy freedom for West Virginians who are burdened by constant rate hikes,” said Leah Barbor, West Virginia Program Director for Solar United Neighbors. “Our co-ops help families and businesses join together, go solar, and fight for their energy rights.”

The nonprofit Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is partnering with West Virginia Rivers Coalition, West Virginia Highland Conservancy, West Virginia Chapter Sierra Club, West Virginia Environmental Council, and West Virginia Citizens Action Group to support this co-op. 

“We are glad to work with WV SUN to expand solar access, create a more equitable energy future, and fight for the rights of WV residents to have fair laws regarding renewable energy,” said Cory Chase,  Director of  West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. 

The co-op makes it easy for homeowners to learn about solar energy and install rooftop solar on their homes. The co-op is free to join. Joining is not a commitment to purchase and install a system. 

“Going solar was one of the best decisions I have made,” said Autumn Crowe, a previous co-op member and Program Director for the West Virginia Rivers Coalition. “Not only am I helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, but I also reduced my electricity costs. It’s a win-win! Joining the West Virginia Solar United Neighbors co-op helped make that possible.”

​​After a competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, which remains vendor neutral, co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations. Members will have the option to purchase panels based on the installer’s group rate.

“SUN’s solar co-op model gives consumers the best buying power when exploring options for moving to renewable solar to power their homes,” said Gary Zuckett, Executive Director for West Virginia Citizen Action.

“We are excited to partner with Solar United Neighbors,” said Lucia Valentine, Outreach Coordinator for West Virginia Environmental council. “Solar co-ops present opportunities for participants to save money, go solar, and help expand access to renewable energy.”

SUN will host several free information sessions to educate community members about solar energy and the co-op. Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for the co-op or one of the upcoming information sessions at the co-op web page www.solarunitedneighbors.org/TRU.

Informational meetings are planned for the following dates:

  • Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30 PM
  • Thursday, May 26 at 5 PM
  • Wednesday, June 22 at 7 PM
  • Wednesday, July 13 at 7 PM

Sign up or learn more here.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Wesleyan hires Haylee Shires as competitive dance coach

West Virginia Wesleyan College has hired alumna Haylee Shires, an experienced dancer, choreographer and former volunteer assistant coach with an MBA, to lead the competitive dance team and pursue national recognition.
BUHS Boys Soccer Feature Image

Soccer Bucs lose first road outing of the year, dropping a 4-0 verdict to Greenbrier East

Buckhannon-Upshur fell 4-0 at Greenbrier East, trailing 3-0 at halftime as Andrew Holt scored twice while Landon Wright made 10 saves but the Bucs remain winless at 0-2.
Stockert Youth and Community Center

Youth center board plans more frequent meetings to focus on programming, projects

The Stockert Youth and Community Center board agreed to meet every other month beginning in October, keeping first-Thursday meetings but moving start time from 4:30 to 5 p.m., to focus more on programming and projects.

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur co-hosted community blood donation drive with WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur and WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital partnered with Vitalant to collect 29 units of blood—exceeding the goal, including nine first-time donors—at a community drive Aug. 15, saving 87 lives.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital hosts signing ceremony for Aspiring Nursing Program recipients

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital held a signing ceremony honoring two West Virginia Wesleyan juniors selected for the Aspiring Nursing Program, which offers financial support, mentorship and liaisons to ease nursing students’ transition into practice.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: August 28, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board will hold a meeting on August 28, 2025; this notice publishes the board’s agenda.

Marianne Frederick

Marianne Frederick, 90, of Rock Cave, died August 19, 2025, in Bridgeport; she is survived by four children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and will be cremated with a memorial service Sept. 6.

Sandra Sue Sloan Cottrell

Sandra Sue Sloan Cottrell, 82, of Buckhannon, WV, died August 19, 2025; she is survived by two daughters, a son, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a brother, and will be cremated with no services.

Repo truck causes major traffic disruptions in Buckhannon after bringing down power lines

A repo truck hauling equipment knocked down power and utility lines on Routes 20 and 33 in Buckhannon, causing long road closures. The driver was issued several citations after deputies caught up to him near the county line.