Board OKs two-year extension, siting agreement and upfront payment for Axis Solar project

Pittsylvania County supervisors voted 6–1 on June 17 to approve a two-year extension of a special-use permit for the Axis Solar project and to execute a siting agreement that secures an upfront payment and further staged payments if the project proceeds.

The siting agreement approved by the board requires an initial payment to the county of $130,000 upon execution, a further $200,000 on issuance of building permits, a $1,000,000 payment when commercial electricity production begins and additional annual payments that staff estimated at roughly $100,000–$200,000 that escalate over time.

County staff and legal counsel told the board that the state legislature’s recent changes let localities enter siting agreements and, because the project’s original special-use permit would otherwise expire soon, Axis Solar requested a local extension to July 1, 2027. County staff recommended approval of the extension only if the siting agreement was adopted, so the board considered both together.

Public commenters were divided. Chuck Angier urged caution, noting the length of time since the permit was granted and criticizing delays tied to regional transmission organization (PJM) queues. “May is a big word,” Angier said, urging the board to consider denying the extension to set a precedent. Mike Pirtle and others from the Tunstall district spoke in favor of the project, saying it could benefit family farms.

Joe Torkleson, who identified himself as representing the Axis Solar project, told the board the company needs the additional time because of delays with PJM and with securing a new power off-take agreement. “We believe 2 years will be a sufficient amount of time to execute a new off-take agreement, and engineer the project with the most up to date technology,” Torkleson said.

Board members asked staff whether the payments in the agreement go only to Pittsylvania County; staff said yes, and clarified that payments are tied to the portion of the project sited within Pittsylvania County. Supervisors also discussed prior experiences with other large projects and urged caution about setting local precedent.

After debate, a motion to approve execution of the siting agreement and to adopt Resolution 2025-06-04 granting an extension of the special-use permit until July 1, 2027 passed 6–1. The record does not show roll-call votes by name in the transcript; the board announced the tally as "Motion passes 6–1." The motion does not list amendments.

The board and staff noted the state had provided a blanket extension of similar permits until July 1, 2025, and that local action to adopt a siting agreement was intended to secure financial benefit to the county if the project moves forward. Staff stated the project’s majority acreage lies in neighboring Henry County and that permitting and coordination with Henry County had contributed to the delay.

The board did not set additional conditions beyond execution of the siting agreement and extension. Staff was authorized to proceed with implementation steps described in the agreement and to continue coordinating with the applicant and adjacent jurisdictions.

The decision means Pittsylvania County will receive the upfront $130,000 payment if the company executes the agreement, with additional revenues contingent on construction milestones and commercial operation.