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

Inside the Courtroom: Despite victim’s support for ex-Buckhannon mayor, judge cites ‘manipulation’ in ordering 10-year max sentence

Former Buckhannon mayor David W. McCauley was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography involving a 17-year-old.

Upshur Update: Catch up on the latest local news in our June 12, 2025 podcast

Former Buckhannon mayor David McCauley was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for child pornography, police seized $500,000 in illegal vape shop products, and local sports and community highlights round out this Upshur Update.

Police seize $500,000 in banned products from vape stores in Upshur and Randolph counties

Authorities seized about $500,000 worth of banned vaping products and cash from five stores in Upshur and Randolph counties after receiving reports of illegal sales to minors, with arrests expected as the investigation continues.

Knabenshue named to Second Team All-State Softball Team

Buckhannon-Upshur freshman Madison Knabenshue, who led her team in hitting, scoring, and stolen bases, was named to the Second Team of the West Virginia All-State High School Softball Team.

Hank Ellis Insurance takes lead in men’s golf league standings

Hank Ellis Insurance surged into first place in the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League after a decisive win, while First Community Bank leaped from last to a tie for fourth with Feola’s Flowers.

Former Buckhannon mayor sentenced to decade in prison for child pornography offense

David Walter McCauley, former Buckhannon mayor, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 10 years supervised release for child pornography involving a 17-year-old boy, following an FBI-led investigation.

American Legion Post 7 cancels Flag Retirement Ceremony due to rain

The American Legion Post 7 has canceled its June 14 Flag Retirement Ceremony because of expected rain and thunderstorms, and will reschedule the event for a later date.

Sandra Louise Collins Garrison

Sandra Louise Collins Garrison, a longtime educator in Buckhannon, is remembered by family and former students following her death at age 73, with funeral services set for June 18 at Way of Holiness Church.
LUCAS Truck

LUCAS to offer lung cancer screening in Rock Cave, Weston, and Buckhannon

LUCAS, WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, will offer low-dose CT scans in Rock Cave, Weston, and Buckhannon in July for insured and eligible uninsured patients by appointment.