The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) has granted approvals to US-based electric services company FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison for three solar projects.

The three planned sites are in Monongalia, Marion and Berkeley counties in West Virginia.

These projects are said to create the chance to acquire renewable energy and meet environmental goals.

The permission follows the PSC’s approval of the companies’ proposal to finish three of five planned solar sites.

The five sites will ultimately create 50MW of renewable energy.

Furthermore, the companies intend to seek the PSC's permission to develop two additional solar sites once clients subscribe to the electricity that they will produce.

FirstEnergy West Virginia operations president Jim Myers said: “Mon Power and Potomac Edison are committed to the environment and enhancing reliability for customers by bolstering and diversifying the region’s energy mix.

“Renewable energy is a large economic driver in attracting new industry to West Virginia, so it is important to have this voluntary option available to customers.”

To prepare the initial location for solar panel installation shortly, the firms recently cleared bushes, levelled the land, and built roads and fences.

The commission also authorised the construction surcharge requested by the companies, which is around one-third of the initial proposed sum.

From next year, the average residential client consuming 1,000kW monthly will pay an extra 14 cents each month.

The companies estimate that the charge will remain the same in 2025 and is estimated to reduce to 11 cents per month in 2026.