Dominion Power files plan to build big solar project in Fauquier

Dominion Virginia Power filed an application with the Virginia State Corporation Commission today, Jan. 20, to build the first large-scale solar facilityin Virginia, according to a news release.

The 20-megawatt project would be built on approximately 125 acres of land owned by the utility near the Remington Power Station in Fauquier County.

The facility is proposed to contain approximately 90,000 photovoltaic panels and at peak capacity would generate enough electricity to provide power for 5,000 homes. 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,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe was quoted as saying. “I look forward to working with them to continue to expand renewable generation in Virginia and diversify the Commonwealth’s fuel mix.”

Dominion has extensive expertise in constructing and operating a large, diversified generation portfolio, which includes 344 megawatts of solar generating capacity in development, under construction or in operation across six states. 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, a press release said.

In a separate application filed today with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Dominion seeks 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 2-megawatt Dominion solar facility.