New Solar Site Generating Energy in Berkeley County, West Virgin

• FirstEnergy’s new solar site in Berkeley County, West Virginia, generates up to 5.75 megawatts using over 17,000 panels.
• With this installation, FirstEnergy has achieved a total of 30 megawatts of solar capacity across three sites in the state.
• The solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) are available for purchase at 4 cents per kilowatt hour above regular rates.

FirstEnergy Corp. (FE, Financial), through its subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison, has successfully completed the installation of its third utility-scale solar site in West Virginia. Located in the Marlowe area of Berkeley County, the 36-acre facility boasts over 17,000 solar panels capable of producing up to 5.75 megawatts of renewable energy. This project is part of the company’s commitment to increasing its solar capacity in the state, with current achievements totaling 30 megawatts across three sites.

The Marlowe site is strategically situated on a former ash landfill, representing a productive use of previously compromised land. The construction employed 54 local union workers and utilized U.S.-made components, reinforcing local economic development and domestic manufacturing. FirstEnergy’s solar initiative aligns with West Virginia legislation permitting utility companies to own and operate up to 200 megawatts of solar generation.

As part of their program, Mon Power and Potomac Edison plan to develop two more projects, aiming for a total of 50 megawatts of solar generation capacity. The initiative includes the creation of solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), which are available for purchase at an additional cost of 4 cents per kilowatt hour above regular rates. These credits provide a revenue stream and appeal to consumers and businesses aiming to meet their sustainability targets.

With ongoing investments in renewable energy, FirstEnergy is playing a pivotal role in meeting the evolving electricity needs of West Virginia, while also contributing to the state’s goal of clean energy and strengthening the regional economy through enhanced job creation and energy production.