Mon Valley Initiative To Save Big On Energy Costs With New Rooftop Solar Energy System In Washington County

On August 26, the Mon Valley Initiative announced that it is officially making the switch to solar energy with the help of nonprofit the Pennsylvania Solar Center’s GET Solar Program, which provides free-to-low-cost full-spectrum solar consulting to businesses and organizations looking to go solar. 

After a competitive public RFP process, Mon Valley Initiative hired solar developer EIS Solar to complete the installation.

The 25-kilowatt solar system will be installed on the roof of the Mon Valley Initiative building at 435 McKean Ave, Charleroi, Washington County, and is estimated to produce about 29,746 kwh/year, which will offset about 35% of the building’s common area meter annual energy usage. 

EIS Solar estimates the system will save the Mon Valley Initiative nearly $124,788 over the next 25 years.

“Mon Valley Initiative is grateful to have found a solar developer who can help us save money on our electricity bill every month, so we in turn redirect those savings to funding our valuable community programs,” said Mark Child, Director of Real Estate Development at Mon Valley Initiative. “We also thank the Scott Foundation Inc., West Penn Energy Fund, and the Washington Financial Charitable Foundation for their generous grant support to make this project possible, as well as the guidance of the PA Solar Center.”

“Energy costs have risen by an estimated 46 percent since 2018, placing an enormous burden on the average nonprofit, especially entities like Mon Valley Initiative who operate on fixed or limited budgets,” said Minette Beabes, Program Manager at the PA Solar Center. “Going solar will save them significant money that they better use elsewhere – and it is our hope that Mon Valley Initiative will serve as an inspiration to other area organizations and businesses in flipping the switch to solar.”

“EIS Solar is proud to have been chosen by Mon Valley Initiative for this project and we look forward to helping power their operations with affordable renewable energy,” said Adam Wehrkamp, Commercial Business Development Manager of EIS Solar. “We applaud them for their vision and leadership in making the clean energy transition.”

Solar energy is the fastest growing energy in the country and is saving businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, communities, and residents thousands of dollars in utility bills. 

Organizations that go solar are hedging against volatile electricity pricing because the cost of solar, once the upfront equipment costs are paid, is nearly free.

The Mon Valley Initiative, founded in 1988, is a 501c3 nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of people in the Mon Valley area by helping to rebuild community infrastructure, provide safe and affordable housing, and connect employers to people seeking new jobs and careers.

The West Penn Energy Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit seeking transformational projects that will support the deployment of sustainable energy technologies in a manner that will improve the economic and environmental health of communities within the West Penn Power service region.

The PA Solar Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the mission to expand the benefits of solar to all Pennsylvanians through technical assistance, public education, and advocacy. 

The Center offers technical assistance to non-profit organizations, businesses, schools, faith communities, farms, and communities to help them go solar through their keystone GET Solar program.

Energy Independent Solutions is trusted by hundreds of residences, businesses, farms and municipal buildings throughout Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and beyond for Solar Power. 

They are a local Pittsburgh company with a track record of high-quality solar installations, solar service and the best solar field performance rating in the industry.

Related Articles This Week:

-- DEP/DCED: Steelton-Highspire School District To Save $3.6 Million Over 20 Years Using Solar Energy In Dauphin County  [PaEN] 

-- PA Solar Center, Partners Can Help Businesses, Schools, Municipalities, Nonprofits Look At How Solar Energy Can Stabilize, Even Reduce Your Energy Costs  [PaEN] 

-- DEP Invites Comments On Chapter 105 Permit For A 250 MW Solar Energy Facility In Clearfield County  [PaEN] 

-- York County Community Foundation Awards Grant To Launch York County's First Sustainability Coordinator  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- WESA - Rachel McDevitt: PA Lawmakers Should Look To Renewable Energy, Not Fossil Fuels For Energy Affordability, Says New Policy Playbook

-- TribLive: Bill On Hold In PA Senate Could Be Key To Expanding Solar Power In PA, Saving Money On Energy Costs 

-- Inside Climate News - Jon Hurdle: Pennsylvania Lags Far Behind On Solar Energy, Here’s How It Could Catch Up 

[Posted: August 26, 2026]  PA Environment Digest