Prince Edward supervisors approve Oak Lane 5-MW solar permit and siting agreement after divided hearing

Prince Edward County supervisors voted to approve a special-use permit and the related siting agreement for Oak Lane Solar Farm LLC, permitting a solar energy facility of up to 5 megawatts on roughly 95 acres adjacent to U.S. Route 360.

The applicant, CEP Solar / Commonwealth Energy Partners, presented the proposal and detailed voluntary conditions, including a one-time voluntary payment of $112,500 to the county and an annual payment of $1,400 per megawatt-acre; county staff estimated total taxable revenue from the project at roughly $561,587. The board approved the siting agreement following the public hearing by a 7–1 vote.

Why it matters: the project represents the county’s continued consideration of small-scale solar development as a revenue source and land-use option. Supporters said it can generate local construction jobs, recurring payments to the county and landowners, and emission-free electricity. Neighbors and some supervisors pressed for clearer protections on erosion, stormwater, panel damage and end-of-life decommissioning guarantees.

Commonwealth Energy Partners’ manager Tyson Utt described the company as “a Virginia based small business” and said the site is “set back from the roads, be out of sight… and quiet once operational.” CEP’s presentation said the facility would likely use about 50 acres…