Written by Aaron-Michael Fox.

The Downtown Branch of the Cabell County Public Library started installing a new roof and solar panels on Wednesday in downtown Huntington. The move will save the library more than one million dollars in long term energy costs.

The plan is a partnership with Huntington-based Solar Holler, which will place 853 solar panels on seven of the eight county library branches.

This innovative arrangement was made possible thanks to the West Virginia legislature legalizing Power Purchase Agreements in 2021. The new structure allows for a business or nonprofit, such as the Cabell County Libraries, to utilize solar technologies without baring the upfront costs. Solar Holler will design, develop, install, and maintain the system while the library will merely purchase the electricity at a discounted rate.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Solar Holler to bring solar energy to seven libraries in Cabell County.” said Breana Roach Bowen, Executive Director of Cabell County Public Library. “In addition to having more affordable power and being more energy efficient, going solar will save the library thousands of dollars yearly.”

“I had the pleasure of working directly with the library leadership team, and I couldn’t be more delighted with the outcome,“ said Thomas Ramey, Commercial Evaluator for Solar Holler. “I applaud the leadership of the Cabell County Libraries for having the foresight to make decisions today that will benefit the libraries for years to come!”

Downtown Huntington Councilwoman Tia Rumbaugh said she is ecstatic the library is investing in infrastructure improvements, like solar, to help with their financial sustainability. “Breanna’s leadership is to be commended, seeking all solutions in the wake of the Board of Education’s former detrimental decision to cut their funding,” said Ms. Rumbaugh.

This move will save the Cabell County Libraries roughly $1.2 million over the 25-year lifespan of the system and is just the latest step our libraries are taking to see sustained growth and success.

Public libraries offer a lot more than just books. They also have free internet and computer access, music and movies, and serve as the photo and news archive for the community. Libraries offer community meeting rooms and community events; they serve as cooling stations and children’s activities during the summer and after school. The Cabell County Public Library is a vital resource to the Huntington community.

According to the West Virginia Library Association, circulation at the local county libraries has remained steady over the years for physical materials, and the usage of digital materials has continued to increase. In 2023, physical visits to the libraries totaled over 200% of the service population.

“While our library is the principal distributor of information, the leadership of our library system is broadening that mission,” said Huntington Mayor Steve Williams. “Our library is setting an example—to our community and beyond—that innovative solutions can also be developed by using the sun to turn on the lights and keep the library warm in the winter and cool in the summer.”