Narrative
TechConnect West Virginia Grant
Lost River Green Tech
Lost River Green Tech (LRGT) started out as an idea in Eastern West Virginia Community and
Technical College’s business entrepreneurship class. Student, Matthew Persinger always had an interest
in solar and wind technology, after discussing ideas and options with his professors, Matt decided on
Lost River Green Tech. Currently, Lost River Green Tech is being accelerated in Eastern’s New Biz
Launchpad as a local business. As part of this program Matt and his professors meet on a weekly basis to
discuss Lost River Green Tech. The team continues to actively seek new partners and conduct research
into additional clean and affordable green technology options for the area.
Throughout the Potomac Highlands region, the opportunity for consumers to integrate green
technology into their lives is abundant. However, the number of businesses offering green technology
solutions remains insignificant. Initial research has found that small businesses, residents, and ag-tech
facilities are especially prime to take advantage of green technology and energy such as solar and wind.
Hardy County is uniquely situated in close proximity to major metropolitan areas, which has allowed for
a great influx of second homeowners. Based on preliminary research and conversations with second
homeowners, many of them are very interested in methods to reduce their carbon footprint or simply
not rely on the power grid. Hardy County has very strong agriculture roots and continues to grow as a
major part of West Virginia’s agricultural production. With the cost of solar and wind energy production
dropping, farmers and land owners have an opportunity to drastically cut overall energy cost with
minimal investment. Continued research will help Lost River Green Tech better understand the business
opportunity for green energy technology and outline the best way to communicate this to potential
consumers.
Another opportunity for research and innovative development ties directly to West Virginia’s
unique topography when looking to capture solar and wind energy. With most of West Virginia covered
in mountains and trees, both Eastern and Lost River Green Tech see the opportunity to develop new and
unique ways of and installing green technology. Owner of Lost River Green Tech, Matthew Persinger has
an expert understanding of the manufacturing process and the capability to engineer and manufacture
mounting systems that will function in this environment. The development of new installation
techniques could have an impact on all consumers, especially small to medium sized agricultural
operations. Lost River Green Tech already has several businesses interested in helping understand the
impact of solar installation. One of these small businesses is the Lost River Trading Post in Wardensville,
West Virginia. Eastern currently offers wind tech degree program at their main campus. Matt has also
been able to utilize solar panels used at Eastern to assist with product demonstration. Eastern has a
continued interest in the research as it relates to additional programs which can be offered at the
college.
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Narrative
Lost River Green Tech (LRGT) will use the seed grant funds to purchase solar and wind
equipment, engineer new techniques to install the green technology and develop research about
current and future green technology adoption in Hardy County, WV. With limited incentives provided by
West Virginia for the adoption of green technology, we will also invest time and money into the
marketing and communication of consumer benefits, including credits that can be purchased.
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