Associated Press Published

Solar-Powered Hotel Opening in Harpers Ferry

Solar panels arriving in Fayette County.

An outdoor adventure company is opening what state officials say is the first solar-powered hotel in West Virginia.

A ribbon cutting is planned Wednesday at the renovated Quality Inn in Harpers Ferry. The event is open to the public.

River Riders Inc. bought the hotel as part of its offerings to whitewater rafting enthusiasts on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.

The West Virginia Department of Commerce says in a news release that the hotel has the third-largest solar array in the state. The office says the rooftop configuration has 289 solar panels that will produce enough energy to offset at least $10,000 in annual electricity costs.

The system was designed and installed by Mountain View Solar of Berkeley Springs.