Energix renewables outlines two proposed solar projects for Tazewell County
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Summary
At the June 8 Planning Commission meeting Energix Renewables presented two proposed arrays — Hera (20 MW) and Demeter (10 MW) — and described site, technical, decommissioning and permitting plans; no formal county vote was taken on either project.
Energix Renewables presented two proposed solar arrays to the Tazewell County Planning Commission during its June 8, 2023 meeting, outlining technical details, permitting steps and estimated local tax revenue. Kelsey Forren, Project Development Associate for Energix, introduced the company’s experience in Virginia and described the two projects the company proposed in the county.
Energix described common project components — photovoltaic panels, racking and inverters — with support poles set about 4–6 feet into the ground. The company said it uses First Solar panels produced in Arizona and estimated that roughly 90 percent of those panels can be reused or recycled at end of life. Energix also described its decommissioning approach, saying typical useful life is 35–45 years, that decommissioning should return sites to preexisting conditions, and that a surety bond, updated every five years, would guarantee removal of equipment. Energix noted that erosion- and sediment-control and stormwater plans are prepared and submitted to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality before construction begins.
Energix presented two project proposals for Tazewell County: Hera, described as a 20-megawatt project on about 100 acres with a company estimate of $120,807 in annual tax revenue (about $3,700,000 over 40 years); and Demeter, described as a 10-megawatt project on about 50 acres with a company estimate of $86,355 in annual tax revenue (about $2,500,000 over 40 years). Commissioners asked questions during and after the presentation; Energix employees responded to those questions but the commission did not take a vote on the projects at this meeting.
Why it matters: large solar arrays can bring temporary construction jobs and long-term tax revenue, but they also raise land-use, visual and permitting questions for local governments. The projects presented will proceed through required permitting and any rezoning or land-use approvals before construction can begin.