Winchester Mayor David Smith with Kim Herbstritt, Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity
Winchester, Va. city officials and affordable housing advocates celebrated the start of a project this week to add solar panels to five newly-constructed Habitat for Humanity homes in the downtown area. Winchester Mayor David Smith said the renewable energy addition to the two-story homes is exactly what the city’s planners have in mind for the future. The Winchester Star reported on the gathering on Wednesday.
Kim Herbstritt of Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity welcomed visitors on Tuesday, March 19 to see the homes and watch mtvSolar installation crews work to prepare the solar installations. High winds on Tuesday kept the crews from attaching solar panels to the first of five homes, but the rails to hold the panels are installed and ready. Five panels will go on each home to start.
Homeowners are expected to reduce their energy bills to somewhere around $20 per month once the panels are connected and feeding their electric supply. More Habitat for Humanity homes in the Blue Ridge area will get solar panels in the near future, with mtvSolar as the trusted solar installation partner.
mtvSolar President Mike McKechnie talks as installation crews worked to prepare a roof for solar panels.
mtvSolar Mike McKechnie talked about the importance of making homes affordable for residents over the long term by fixing their energy costs. Installing solar panels essentially locks in electric costs, which normally rise steadily over the life of a home, Mike said. When mtvSolar began as a construction company, his crews donated their labor and time to help build Habitat for Humanity homes in the area. Mike McKechnie said 20 years later, mtvSolar is still an advocate for affordable housing and is excited by the movement toward more energy efficient homes. The company continues to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity through direct donations, community give-back partnerships and reduced-price work. mtvSolar customers can choose to give a panel to community projects like Habitat for Humanity when they purchase their own solar energy system.
Jeff Heie ofGiveSolar, headquartered in Harrisonburg, said charitable donors have made it possible to add solar energy systems to Habitat for Humanity homes throughout Virginia, adding another level of sustainability both to affordable housing and the environment. Additional solar energy projects are in the planning stages.
Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity, GiveSolar, Mountain View Solar, and Habitat for Humanity Virginia are partnering to install five solar systems on recently-completed Habitat for Humanity homes in Winchester, VA.
Media and the public are invited to a reception on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 1 to 2 p.m. for light refreshments and to observe some of the installation. Reception location: corner of Chase St. and Elk St. in Winchester, VA. Blue Ridge Habitat built the homes while families worked to complete their sweat equity prior to purchasing the home at an affordable mortgage. GiveSolar, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Virginia, is providing the funding for the solar systems. And mtvSolar will professionally install the systems.
This project will greatly reduce the energy burden of the families who live in them. Participating homeowners will pay a $20 monthly lease payment for 10 years and save between $50 and $70 per month on their electric bills as a result of having solar. Over the 25 to 30 year lifespan of the solar system, families with solar will save $20,000 to $25,000.
“Integrating solar panels on homes directly benefits communities by reducing individual carbon footprints, cutting energy expenses for homeowners, and contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable local environment. This sustainable choice not only empowers residents to lower their electricity bills but also fosters a sense of environmental responsibility, making solar energy a positive force for community well-being.”-Kim Herbstrit, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat homeowner Karen Burrough moved into her new home in March of 2023.
“I’ve been excited about this opportunity ever since I first heard about it before I moved into my new home. I’m thrilled that these solar panels will soon be installed and I will start saving money on my electric bill.”
Mike McKechnie, mtvSolar President
During this project, mtvSolar will install 12 solar panels and related equipment on each of the five participating homes. The solar energy generated by the panels will directly offset the electricity demand of each home. Any excess energy produced by the home’s solar components will be distributed on the local electricity grid and homeowners will receive credit for that energy on their bills. During the spring, summer, and fall months when solar generation is at its highest, homeowners who are prudent with their electricity usage could see an electric bill of less than $10.
Jeff Heie, Director of GiveSolar, said, “Habitat has recognized that affordable housing is about both making the purchase of a house affordable and making the ongoing operation of a home affordable. Solar is an excellent tool to minimize electricity bills while contributing to long term environmental solutions.”
“It’s one thing to get a family into a home, but making it more affordable for them to stay in that home over the long term by reducing their monthly costs is a long-lasting benefit that we’re proud to be part of,” said Mike McKechnie, president of mtvSolar.
Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity has built 89 homes in the past 26 years for working families. They complete critical home repairs, have an Aging in Place program to support seniors living on limited income, and operate the Winchester ReStore which generates funding through the generous support of donors and customers all working to support affordable housing in the region. They are proud to partner with GiveSolar and mtvSolar on this pilot project.
GiveSolar is a nonprofit social impact organization that aims to assist other non-profit organizations and homeowners with low income to gain access to solar energy through organizing community-based mutual aid. Since 2020, GiveSolar has been raising funds to help Habitat affiliates in Virginia to launch solar programs. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Virginia, GiveSolar is supporting fifteen Habitat affiliates across the state as they offer solar to the families they serve. Funding for these solar systems comes from the American Institute of Architects, Just Pax Fund, Clean Virginia, and other private donors.
Founded in 2009, mtvSolar is the leading renewable energy partner for residential, commercial, non-profit and government solar and battery solutions in the quad-state area. The company has installed more than 30,000 solar panels in the last 15 years. mtvSolar continues to lead Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania through the professional installation of solar and battery systems to help customers meet their renewable energy goals and budgets. mtvSolar’s expertise and customer-focused approach has earned it industry awards from Tesla and other component manufacturers for high quality installation, service and product feedback.
In today’s energy-driven world, soaring electricity costs have become a growing concern for homeowners and businesses alike. Fortunately, there exists a sustainable solution that can not only reduce your reliance on the traditional grid but also potentially eliminate your electric bill altogether – solar energy with net metering.
Lydian, an mtvSolar employee residing in Maryland, knows first-hand the transformative impact of solar power. With her solar system, she has achieved energy independence and financial savings that have surpassed her expectations. Her system paid for itself in a mere six years, thanks to the combined benefits of SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) income and avoided utility costs. Today, her solar panels generate a continuous stream of free electricity, making her residence a revenue-generating home.
The key to Lydian’s success lies in the synergy between solar power and net metering. Net metering essentially acts as an energy exchange program. When your solar panels generate more electricity than your home consumes, the excess energy is sent back to the grid, earning you credits. These credits can be used to offset future electricity bills, effectively reducing your overall energy expenses.
How Does Net Metering Work?
The process of net metering is straightforward. When your solar panels generate electricity, it first powers your home’s appliances and lights. Any excess energy is then sent back to the utility grid, where it is distributed to other customers.
The benefits of net metering extend beyond financial savings. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power, reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future. Solar panels can increase the value of your home and enhance its energy efficiency.
At the end of your billing cycle, your utility company compares the amount of energy you consumed from the grid to the amount of energy you generated and sent back. If you generated more energy than you consumed, you will receive a credit on your bill. This credit can be applied to future electricity bills, reducing your overall energy costs.
The Benefits of Net Metering
A Net-Zero Solar Powered Home Is Worth More With A Pearl Certification
Pearl Certification is one way to verify that a home is energy efficient in a variety of ways. Pearl Certification can increase the value of a solar-powered home. First, energy efficiency means that they will use less energy to heat and cool, which will save homeowners money on their utility bills. Second, Pearl Certified homes are healthier than non-certified homes. This is because they have better indoor air quality and fewer potential hazards. Third, Pearl Certified homes have better temperature control and humidity levels than traditional homes, making them more comfortable.
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Pearl Certification can also specifically increase the value of a solar-powered home. Pearl Certified homes are more likely to have a higher quality solar installation because it requires solar installers to be certified by Pearl themselves. Third, Pearl Certified homes are more likely to have a solar energy system that is well-maintained because one of the requirements is to follow specific maintenance guidelines to achieve certification.
Because of these considerations, Pearl Certified homes with solar panels can sell for up to 17% more than non-certified homes. This is a significant premium, and it can make a big difference in the amount of money that homeowners receive when they sell a residence..
mtvSolar is committed to empowering homeowners like Lydian to embrace the benefits of solar power. With its team of experienced professionals, we offer comprehensive solar energy solutions, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. Our expertise and dedication ensures that your solar journey is seamless and successful.
A unique homestead and home-based freeze-drying business in the Back Creek Valley of the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia has woven together traditional living principles with modern solar technology to power up their journey toward sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Heritage Homestead near Hedgesville is owned and run by Scott and Kathleen Miller, with help from Kathleen’s sister Mary Bowie, and extra hands from the Miller’s four children.
“We’ve partnered with Mountain View Solar to integrate solar energy with battery backup into our operations,” Scott said of the couple’s recent step into solar.
The system includes 60 Tesla solar panels – 40 ground mounted in a grazing field and 20 on the roof of the family’s farmhouse – plus a Tesla Gateway Switch.
“TheTesla Gateway Switch seamlessly allows our entire establishment to run on solar power with battery backup during outages,” said Scott. “During 25 grid down events, the system has provided us with 8 hours of uninterrupted power backup, ensuring continuity of operations.”
“When the power goes out, we don’t feel it,” Kathleen said.
Since the system went active in April of 2023, Heritage Homestead has generated 30.3 megawatts of power.
“With reduced dependency on traditional grid power, we’ve witnessed significant savings in our energy bills,” Scott said.
Those savings add up for the family and their burgeoning business, making and selling freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, cheesecake and ice cream. Products are sold via their website (https://www.heritagehomesteadwv.com/shop) and in regional specialty stores and markets, from Black Dog Coffee in Shenandoah Junction to Orr’s Farm Market in Martinsburg, the Wardensville Garden Market and J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works in Charleston, W.Va. Kathleen said in just two years, their freeze-dried product line is stocked in all West Virginia State Parks.
The profits from that business “feed the farm,” said Kathleen.
Going solar made sense for their electricity-intensive freeze-drying operation and their rural location, where power outages are a regular occurrence.
Kathleen Miller and her sister Mary Bowie with their freeze-dried ice cream.
“It was the next logical step,” said Kathleen.
Generating their own electricity from the sun on their small farm also aligns with the Miller’s priorities as a family, a homestead and a business.
“Our commitment to sustainable practices resonates with our customers, enhancing brand loyalty and trust in our products,” Scott said. “We’re proud to lead by example in our local community, inspiring others to adopt renewable energy solutions for a brighter, greener future.
“We want to encourage people to be more self-reliant,” said Kathleen.
The couple said going solar has “lined up beautifully” and they generate roughly 86% of their electricity needs.
mtvSolar’s willingness to be creative in designing a system meant Heritage Homestead was able to balance solar panels and battery equipment to fit their budget and expected returns. That’s one reason the Millers recommend mtvSolar to folks who ask about their new solar array.
What’s next on the solar-powered family homestead? A greenhouse to extend their growing season, tending to the food forest that’s maturing in one of their fields and promoting the skills of homesteading for other people who are interested in embracing the lifestyle. There’s a lot to learn, as the farm teaches them every day.
