By Michael Lemley, The State Journal
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WV News) — A group of solar power industry representatives and other officials held a press conference Thursday to discuss results of a recent poll and bills that have been proposed in the West Virginia Legislature.
The poll, conducted by Echelon Insights in December, showed general support among West Virginians for various solar initiatives, including community solar programs and net metering.
“[Net metering] allows customers to get a dollar-for-dollar credit on their electric bill if their solar panels produce more energy than they use, creating additional electricity for the utility,” said Patrick Ruffini, co-founder and partner of Echelon Insights, who presented the data.
A majority of the survey’s respondents expressed support for net metering, with 40% strongly supporting and another 30% somewhat supporting.
The measure also saw bipartisan support, according to the survey data, with 60% support among Republicans, 74% among independent voters and 79% among Democrats, Ruffini said.
Survey results also showed general support for community solar programs, which allow residential customers to tap into power from nearby solar panels, with 69% in support (37% somewhat, 32% strongly).
Additionally, 78% of respondents said it would be a good idea for more West Virginians to own and benefit from their own solar panels, and 54% said they believe residential rooftop solar usage should be incentivized.
“No matter which way you slice it, West Virginians are strongly supportive of the concept of solar power, for residents and consumers to take advantage of solar panels and for policies that will help them do that and help them benefit from that,” Ruffini said.
Dan Conant, founder and CEO of Solar Holler — a business that works to help other businesses, nonprofits and families to implement solar power — said this survey data reflects the trends the company has seen over its 10-year history.