Barriers to the Adoption of Photovoltaics in West Virginia

Partners: 
Shepherd University
Webster County Economic Development Authority
West Virginia Development Office

Services:

• Geospatial Analysis
• Research Services
   

Summary:  Provided assessment of the economic, technical, and social barriers facing the implementation of photovoltaics in the state of West Virginia.

Challenge:  Many of the barriers to implementation of photovoltaics in West Virginia are also barriers faced collectively across the nation. National barriers to the widespread implementation of photovoltaics include: economics; lack of consumer education and awareness of the benefits of solar power; and those technical and institutional in nature. Barriers specific to West Virginia include low electricity rates, lack of net metering, and topography.

Solutions:  We produced a report investigating the technical, economic, social, and political barriers to the adoption of solar energy in West Virginia.  The report also identified the best areas within the state for solar energy adoption.

Results:  Publicly available report.