Solar-Powered EV Charging Station in Service at Mon Power Headquarters

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy's Mon Power has installed a solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charger at its Fairmont, West Virginia headquarters, utilizing an array of 28 solar panels and an energy storage battery. This Level Two charger is designed to provide 8 to 24 miles of range per hour of charging. The facility will operate independently, significantly reducing reliance on the conventional electric grid, which draws from various energy sources.

The project aligns with FirstEnergy's commitment to sustainability and aims to lessen the environmental impact as electricity demand increases with the rise of electric vehicles. Mon Power is also seeking approval for five additional solar facilities, offering customers renewable energy options without large upfront costs.

Currently, Mon Power serves approximately 396,000 customers in West Virginia, highlighting its ongoing efforts to diversify the energy mix and improve reliability.

Positive

• Installation of a solar-powered EV charger enhances renewable energy commitment.
• The charger operates independently, reducing reliance on the grid.
• The project represents FirstEnergy's first micro solar site, indicating innovation in energy solutions.
• Approval in process for five more solar facilities, expanding renewable energy offerings.
• Positive customer engagement with various subscriptions to the solar program.

Negative

• The ongoing maintenance cost for the solar site is an added expense.

FAIRMONT, W.Va., April 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) electric company Mon Power is now powering an electric vehicle charger with renewable energy generated by an array of solar panels outside of its headquarters building along I-79 in Fairmont.

The project includes 28 solar panels and a battery to store the electricity generated by the micro solar site. The battery supplies a Level Two EV charger capable of accommodating a vehicle for charging, which delivers eight to 24 miles of range per hour of charging.

Aside from a small cost to the company to maintain the site going forward, the installation will be a self-sufficient, standalone renewable power generator. Most other EV chargers in the state pull power from the electric grid where the energy source is a mix of nuclear, hydro, gas, coal and other power resources.

"As the demand for electricity grows with the increase in electrification of transportation, this micro-solar energy installation is a great way to support the environment while lessening the demand on the energy grid," said Jim Myers, president of FirstEnergy's West Virginia operations. "Mon Power is committed to the environment and improving reliability for customers by bolstering and diversifying the region's energy mix."

While the headquarters' solar array represents the company's first micro solar site, Mon Power is also in the process of getting approval from the West Virginia Public Service Commission to build, own and operate five solar facilities in its service territory. Through the solar program, customers of Mon Power and Potomac Edison in West Virginia can support renewable energy without the large upfront cost of building their own infrastructure. The company has already subscribed several industrial and commercial customers along with hundreds of residential customers. The town of Harpers Ferry also recently committed to a subscription equal to 100% of its streetlight and town hall energy usage.

To subscribe or find out more about the solar program, Mon Power and Potomac Edison customers in West Virginia can submit their information at firstenergycorp.com/WVSolar or call 1-800-505-7283.

Mon Power serves about 396,000 customers in 34 West Virginia counties. Follow Mon Power at mon-power.com, on Twitter @MonPowerWV, and on Facebook at facebook.com/MonPowerWV.  

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.  

Editor's Note: Pictures of the solar-powered charging station are available for download on Flickr.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is the significance of the solar-powered EV charger installed by FirstEnergy's Mon Power?

The solar-powered EV charger signifies FirstEnergy's commitment to renewable energy and offers an independent power source, reducing reliance on the traditional electric grid.

How many solar panels are used in the EV charging project by FirstEnergy?

The EV charging project utilizes an array of 28 solar panels.

What is the charging capability of the Level Two charger at Mon Power?

The Level Two charger can provide 8 to 24 miles of range per hour of charging.

How does the new solar facility impact FirstEnergy's customers?

The solar facility allows customers to access renewable energy without high initial costs and supports environmental sustainability.

How many customers does Mon Power serve?

Mon Power currently serves approximately 396,000 customers in West Virginia.