Dominion Virginia Power filed an application with the Virginia State Corporation Commission today to build Virginia's first large-scale solar facility. The 20MW project would be built on approximately 125 acres of land owned by the company near the Remington Power Station in Fauquier County, containing approximately 90,000 PV panels. The estimated in-service date for the facility is October 2016.
"The Remington Solar Facility marks the beginning of an exciting process with large scale solar technology that adds emission-free generation in the Commonwealth," said Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dominion Resources. "Increasing our use of solar energy is part of that plan, and renewable energy will play an increasingly important role in Virginia's future. Dominion has diversified the type of fuels it uses to generate electricity with more use of natural gas and biomass generation."
"I want to thank Dominion for their commitment to solar energy development with a project that nearly doubles Virginia's production of solar energy," said Gov. Terry McAuliffe. "I look forward to working with them to continue to expand renewable generation in Virginia and diversify the Commonwealth's fuel mix."
A key benefit of the Remington Solar Facility is that Dominion can leverage this experience to successfully integrate utility scale solar generation to serve Virginia's energy needs.
In a separate application filed today with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Dominion is seeking approval of a Community Solar pilot in Virginia. This pilot program, initiated by policy recommendations from several Virginia legislators, will allow customers to voluntarily purchase solar energy output from a Virginia-based 2MW Dominion solar facility.
"I am pleased to have worked with Dominion Virginia Power to make solar an option for residents who live in condominiums or homes that have excessive tree cover and are impractical for solar installations," said Del. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax. "This pilot will make emissions-free energy a reality for hundreds of customers who want that choice, but otherwise could not have it."
Del. David E. Yancey, R-Newport News said, "Increasing solar power in Virginia is good for the environment and I applaud Dominion Virginia Power for its willingness to take this step in the Commonwealth."
Other Virginia lawmakers who have voiced bipartisan support for expanding solar projects in Virginia include Dels. Joseph R. Yost, R-Pearisburg; Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax; and Rob K. Krupicka, Jr., D- Alexandria.