Politicians may have at one time believed “the sun doesn’t always shine in West Virginia,” but Wayne County is ready to prove the sun shines enough to provide electricity for an entire school district.

West Virginian solar installer and developer Solar Holler and Wayne County schools are taking advantage of coal community investments through the Inflation Reduction Act to build what is being called the largest single demonstration of solar powered renewable electricity in an Appalachian public school.

“This type of investment in rural America to create jobs, make our country more energy secure and lower electric costs is exactly what the IRA was designed to do,” said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.

Wayne County Schools Superintendent Todd Alexander is eager to see the potential for the project to better his school system all around. He said the financial impact of the project will be enough to fund salaries for three additional teachers for the duration of their careers.

What a wonderful possibility for those communities.

“It’s the heart of coal country, where our state’s proud history of energy production is rooted,” said Dan Conant, Solar Holler Founder and CEO. “It’s literally the community that’s helped build our business, so we’re really grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on what solar can do for public institutions and education systems right here in Southern West Virginia.”

Perhaps the project will do something to change the narrative to which too many politicians continue to cling, as well. Open-mindedness about the expansion and diversification of our economy will be essential if we are to not only survive, but shine.