Powering A More Sustainable Future Through Solar Energy in Virginia and West Virginia

In support of our Climate Positive Program’s commitment to reduce 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions outside our operations by 2030, we are investing in equitable deployment of sustainable solutions like renewable energy. The program aims to support a ‌transition to 21st-century renewable energy sources coupled with job and learning opportunities for students in underserved communities. As part of our efforts to reduce emissions and provide benefits to communities, we created the Coalfield Solar Fund in partnership with Secure Solar Futures and The NEED Project. Launched in March 2023, the Fund is a multi-year initiative designed to advance renewable energy access and provide meaningful career pathways for youth in the coalfield communities of Virginia and West Virginia that have powered the country for decades. 

We are thrilled to share the success of the Fund’s first year, recognize the bold and innovative cohort of inaugural winners, and scale up the program for a second year.

About the Coalfield Solar Fund

The Coalfield Solar Fund was catalyzed from the initial success of Intuit’s recent school-top solar project, built in partnership with Secure Solar Futures in Wise, Virginia – the location of one of Intuit’s Prosperity Hubs. Educational institutions such as K-12 public school districts and community colleges in designated coalfield communities are eligible to receive an incentive grant up to $150,000 when they commit to bringing solar to their campuses. The solar is made available at no upfront cost via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Secure Solar Futures which provides savings on energy bills. The solar implementation, accelerated by the Fund’s unique partnership model, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to local economies. 

A growing number of students are also immersing themselves in education on the power and potential of renewable energy, creative problem solving, and most recently, design thinking, through a highly engaging learning program developed by The NEED Project, aptly dubbed “Throwing Solar Shade.” Intuit’s Design for Delight program has been woven into the foundational climate science and STEM materials teachers use for instruction hoping to offer an even more engaging learning experience.

“We are excited to continue supporting eligible educational institutions in designated coalfield counties in Virginia and West Virginia. Our mission is to fuel new workforce skills and facilitate a seamless transition to renewable energy sources for future generations. We are honored to be a part of this important work and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will spur throughout the region and beyond.” –Charlie Reed, Global Sustainability Lead at Intuit

Highlights From The Fund’s First Year

Since the launch of the Coalfield Solar Fund in early 2023, two public school districts and one community college across Virginia and West Virginia have been granted a total of $250,000 for their campuses. The first cohort of grant winners for the Coalfield Solar Fund are listed below.

• Mountain Empire Community College, Virginia — $100,000 has been  awarded to incentivize 750 kilowatts of solar power generating capacity at their main campus in Big Stone Gap, VA.
• Calhoun County Schools, West Virginia — $75,000 has been awarded to incentivize 750 kilowatts of solar power generating capacity combined at three campuses. 
• Lee County Schools, Virginia — $75,000 has been awarded to incentivize 750 kilowatts of solar power generating capacity combined at three campuses.

“Our district is thrilled to be one of the first recipients of a Coalfield Solar Fund incentive grant. Our community has faced economic challenges over the last several decades, and we are excited to be awarded this grant to invest in much needed infrastructure upgrades, while also receiving solar panels across our schools. This will help us reduce our energy costs and allow us to redirect our dollars toward other critical school needs.” –Michael Fitzwater, Superintendent, Calhoun County Schools, West Virginia

Expand The Impact with Renewable Energy and Career Opportunities

As we celebrate the achievements of the first year of the Coalfield Solar Fund, we are thrilled to share that the second application cycle is officially open. Public school districts and community colleges in select Virginia and West Virginia counties are eligible to apply. 

To learn more about the program and to see if your school qualifies, please visit http://www.coalfieldsolarfund.org.