This month’s Member Spotlight features Solar United Neighbors. SUN submitted the following:
Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that works in West Virginia and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. We are fighting for a clean, resilient, and equitable energy system. We do this by putting rooftop solar at the cornerstone.
Solar co-ops are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.
We always include a short Q & A as part of our Member Spotlight series. See the following Q & A between Anna Saab and Cory Chase, WV Program Associate with SUN.
Anna: What project(s) do you feel are most urgent or important to Solar United Neighbors right now?
Cory: We are currently running our Eastern Panhandle Solar/Battery/EV Charger Co-op in Berkeley, Morgan, and Jefferson Counties. This is a great way for anyone to learn about solar and get free help assessing how their home or property could incorporate solar and/or batteries, as well as an electric vehicle charger. The signup deadline is May 22, 2026. Signing up for the co-op and getting a quote is free. We provide free technical assistance and guidance throughout the entire process and there is no cost until and unless you sign a contract with an installer to go solar.
Our next in-person event is on May 8 from 5:30-6:30 in Berkeley Springs. We will be touring a home with a solar and battery system. And we have one more Virtual Solar Co-op 101 scheduled for May 19 at 6pm on Zoom. More info on events can be found at the co-op page: SolarUnitedNeighbors.org/WVPanhandle.
We are also planning to run an Income Qualified Co-op in 2027. For these types of programs, we partner with a municipality to help install solar panels for local residents struggling to pay their electric bills.
Anna: What does the future of Solar United Neighbors WV look like?
Cory: A lot of our work depends on state policy, so we will continue to push for practical solar legislation that prioritizes ratepayers and protects fair net metering at the Public Service Commission. Our biggest goal is passing community solar legislation, which essentially allows people who could not install solar—whether that is due to reasons like their location, not owning the home, or not having the resources—to access solar from a shared array somewhere else in their community. Right now that is illegal in WV, despite being allowed in more than 20 other states. Community solar is a true game changer for people having the choice to decide where they get their energy.
There have also been very exciting developments in plug-in solar, which is a “plug-and-play” system that anyone can purchase and hook up without complicated electrical wiring or permits. That also needs enabling legislation in WV and we are working on that issue, as well. I encourage anybody who wants to learn more about solar or would like to volunteer to reach out to us at WVTeam@solarunitedneighbors.org.
Anna: What makes this work personal to you?
Cory: I like to be of service in my work, and this job allows me to do just that. Helping people learn about solar, which is a complex topic, is something that I enjoy doing. And the cherry on top is knowing that I am helping homes transition to clean energy and literally and figuratively taking their power back. Monopoly utilities don’t have to have a stranglehold on all of us! Solar is the quickest way to insulate ourselves from climbing electricity costs. I am very proud to be doing work that helps people be empowered. I’m also very grateful that our work is centered around advocacy and narrative change because we have a very challenging atmosphere to operate in. As someone who was born and raised in WV, being a part of the paradigm shift away from coal and into renewables feels like vital work and I am honored to be part of the shift.
