Planning commission recommends approval of 140‑MW Taro Solar project, adds local‑contractor stipulation

On Aug. 21, 2025, the Charlotte County Planning Commission voted 7–3 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a conditional use permit for Taro Solar LLC, a proposed 140‑megawatt utility‑scale solar facility in the Cullen area along Taro Road and extending toward Thomas Jefferson Highway.

The commission’s recommendation followed a staff review by third‑party consultant Michael Zehner of the Berkley Group and presentations by the project engineer, Ethan Hiss, and other members of the project team. Staff recommended approval with conditions; commissioners cited findings that the project is consistent with the comprehensive plan, compatible with other existing and planned uses, and that identified conditions would mitigate impacts to surrounding properties, including St. Andrews Church and its cemetery.

Supporters — many of them participating landowners — told the commission the project would provide local revenue, help preserve legacy land ownership and allow smaller acreage owners to participate in solar leasing. Sandra Towne, speaking for the South‑Central Virginia Business Alliance, said solar was “the most cost effective and safest way to address energy needs.” Several landowners submitted written statements emphasizing economic benefits and continued ownership of family land.

Opponents and nearby residents raised concerns about density, the project’s effect on property values and the local viewshed, and potential impacts on wildlife corridors. Mike Anderson said, “solar isn’t farming,” and asked whether federal funding would be involved and what cost burden, if any, would fall to taxpayers. Sharon Layne said the project would surround her property and expressed worries about solar density and wildlife impacts.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on technical and regulatory issues, asking whether the project would follow Department of Conservation and Recreation riparian buffer recommendations and whether the developer would participate in DCR’s pollinator program. Applicant representatives said the project is exempt from certain new stormwater basin regulations but that they had voluntarily designed features to meet the newer standards, and that they were coordinating quail habitat work with the nonprofit Quail Forever. Project representative Steven Hall said future ownership had not been determined and that a sale to Dominion Energy had not been finalized.

Commissioner Eugene Wells moved to recommend approval, citing three findings in support of the request, including that the Board could authorize an increase in density notwithstanding Section 10‑23‑6 of the county zoning ordinance. Commissioner Patrick Andrews successfully moved an amendment recommending the Board require use of local contractors in the siting agreement; the amendment was seconded by Mike Price and carried. The amended recommendation passed on a roll call vote, 7–3 (Yes: Eugene Wells, Curtis Morton, Patrick Andrews, Mike Price, Andrew Carwile, Richard Vaughan, Chairman James Benn; No: David Watkins, Miller Adams, Belinda Strom).

Deputy County Administrator Monica Elder told the commission staff is preparing mapping layers for approved and proposed solar facilities to be added to the county’s online GIS, and staff provided follow‑up information on recent permit applications and related reviews. Commissioner and staff discussion referenced a prior Board action on 2232 findings for the CPV County Line Solar amendment and clarified factors the Board considered in that decision.

The commission’s recommendation will go to the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors for final action; staff and the developer did not provide a Board hearing date during the Planning Commission meeting.