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In its third annual clean energy filing with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), Dominion Energy, Virginia, on Friday, Oct. 21, proposed nearly two dozen new solar and energy storage projects for Virginia customers. One of those projects includes Courthouse Solar, a 167-megawatt facility developed and acquired from NOVI Energy.

NOVI Energy proposed to construct the solar facility on 1,354 acres just southwest of Charlotte Court House on 12 parcels owned by Blue Rock Resources, LLC, Ridgeway Farm LLC, and Robert Locke.

The project is southwest of Charlotte Court House and generally bound to the north by George Washington Highway (Rt. 40), to the west by Tollhouse Highway (Rt. 47), to the east by Eureka School Road, and to the south by Ash Camp Creek.

Courthouse Solar, by the numbers

Courthouse Solar’s revenue projections to the county are expected to be $15,073,226 over a 35-year span.

In addition to Courthouse Solar, Dominion Energy’s proposal includes nine other solar and energy storage projects, totaling nearly 500 MW, that will be owned and operated by Dominion Energy Virginia.

The proposal also includes power purchase agreements (PPAs) with 13 solar and energy storage projects, totaling more than 300 megawatts, that are owned by independent developers.

According to Dominion Energy, if approved, the projects will provide more than 800 megawatts of carbon-free electricity to power more than 200,000 Virginia homes at peak output.

“These projects are another big step in delivering clean, affordable and reliable energy to our customers,” said Ed Baine, President of Dominion Energy Virginia. “The clean energy transition is bringing jobs and economic opportunity to communities across Virginia, and it’s reducing fuel costs for our customers. That’s a win-win for our customers and the communities we serve.”

Construction of the projects is projected to support nearly 4,800 clean energy jobs and will generate more than $920 million in economic benefits across Virginia.

What else is needed?

In addition to SCC approval, the proposed utility-owned projects require local and state permits before construction may begin.

According to Dominion Energy, if approved, the projects are expected to be completed between 2023 and 2025 and will add approximately $0.38 to the average residential customer’s monthly bill.

Dominion Energy said Virginia’s rates remain below the national, mid-Atlantic and east coast averages.