LEXINGTON (WSLS 10) - A one-of-a-kind project in Virginia is hoping to reduce customers' electricity bills and to help put Southwest Virginia at the forefront of one of the state's unique energy projects.
The BARC Electric Cooperative wrapped up its 550 kWh Community Solar project this summer. The project uses more than 1,700 solar panels to provide energy to members.
Paula Lipscomb joined the project after seeing her monthly bills increase.
"We paid about $62, but once we got our air conditioner it went up," said Lispcomb. "We had to have an air conditioner because we are old people and can't stay in a hot house."
Rather than installing solar panels on her own rooftop, Lipscomb signed on to the project, which allow customers in different locations to get electricity.
"We've purchased [solar panels] for the customers," said BARC Electric Cooperative CEO Mike Keyser. "So for 20 years they are going to pay a fixed energy rate based on what this project produces and their costs won't go up with this project."
BARC Electric officials said the company plans to provide up to 25 percent of the energy needs, at a fixed rate, to customers across Bath, Alleghany and Rockbridge counties. Governor Terry McAuliffe officially commissioned the project on Monday. State leaders said the first-of-its-kind project is one sign the state is focused on seeing more renewable energy projects in Virginia.
"We ought to be manufacturing these solar panels here in Virginia," said McAuliffe. "These are the jobs of the 21st century and it shows we are serious about it."
BARC Electric officials said they already have 212 subscribers on board, which includes businesses and homeowners.