Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., continue to advance West Virginia’s renewable energy goals with the launch of their second utility-scale solar facility in the state. Situated on 27 acres in Rivesville, Marion County, the site supports West Virginia’s shift to clean energy while delivering both environmental and economic benefits.
The Rivesville solar facility, housing nearly 14,000 panels, is capable of generating up to 5.5 megawatts of renewable energy. This development builds on the success of the Fort Martin solar site in Maidsville, marking another step forward in expanding the region's solar capacity. The Rivesville project revitalizes land that has been dormant since the Rivesville Power Station closed in 2012, while providing jobs for 63 union workers during its construction.
This initiative falls under a 2020 West Virginia Legislature authorization, allowing electric companies to develop up to 200 megawatts of solar capacity across the state. Mon Power and Potomac Edison are currently pursuing five solar projects totaling 50 megawatts, with an ultimate goal of reaching 200 megawatts.
The state's solar program has already attracted a wide range of participants, from residential customers to major institutions like the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Morgantown and the town of Harpers Ferry. As West Virginia continues to diversify its energy sources, its numerous solar projects are setting the stage for a more sustainable and economically robust future.
Mon Power and Potomac Edison’s solar initiatives are paving the way for a greener future in West Virginia, promoting renewable energy, economic growth, and job creation. As the state transitions to clean energy solutions, these projects demonstrate West Virginia’s commitment to sustainability and long-term economic prosperity.
For further insight into West Virginia’s energy transformation and the challenges associated with transitioning from coal, see this article on federal funding and coal’s impact.
