Let There Be Light: The Solar Panel Ribbon Cutting

  

Matt Knott cutting the ribbon!

  It's no secret that here at River Riders, we support the "green" lifestyle. By regulating materials that may be used on river trips and hosting annual high way and river clean-ups, River Riders has demonstrated their commitment to keeping our environment clean.

  River Riders just recently became the proud owners of the Quality Hotel (soon to be Clarion) and  renovated the inn to expand its amenities, conference, food service and activity offerings. To no surprise also used this opportunity to move forward in our "green" efforts by installing over 250 solar panels on the roof! 

  The hotel is now home to the third largest solar array in the state! The energy system was designed and installed by Mountain View Solar of Berkeley Springs. 
  The rooftop array consists of 289 SolarWorld 285W modules. The 82.4kW system will produce enough energy to offset an estimated $10,000+ annually in electricity costs. An electric vehicle charger is also being installed at the parking lot, which will allow guests to recharge their electric/hybrid cars during their stay.
 
  To celebrate,  River Riders hosted a ribbon cutting today located at the cliff side hotel at 11:00 a.m. this morning. Light refreshments were served to the abundance of attendees. Our original attendance number of 20 - 30 people was blown out of the water as people continued to make their way in the hotel.

With support from the community as well as The Chamber of Commerce, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Natural Capital Investment Fund’s Energy Initiative, the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, and more. 

Mary Hott speaking brought on lots of laughs during her speech.

Mary Hott, the WVSBDC Eastern Panhandle Center business coach located in Martinsburg, spoke at the ribbon cutting about the work her and Matt put into this project in order to develop a business plan to secure a loan for the hotel investment.  

We also had a representative of MTV Solar explain the way the new panels would work, how much energy they would bring in, and the difference they would make. For display, MTV Solar hooked up one of their electric cars to demonstrate our new electric vehicle car charger. 

For more pictures and information on our latest endeavors, please visit www.riverriders.com or visit our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/River-Riders-22188813664/

Refreshments from Royalicious Bakery.