Board approves $1.9M SunEnergy1 community benefits package and hires outside counsel to review solar ordinance

Northampton County commissioners approved a $1.9 million Community Benefits Agreement with SunEnergy1 and separately retained outside counsel to review the county’s Solar Energy Development Ordinance following repeated public concern about solar farms.

At an October meeting Economic Development presented terms of a Community Benefits Agreement; SunEnergy1 representative Reginald Bynum summarized company commitments. The Board approved the CBA unanimously. Several citizens at consecutive meetings raised concerns about operational impacts of solar farms — including noise, Saturday construction and air quality — and asked the county to tighten rules. As one resident put it in July, “SunEnergy1 working on Saturdays” and “smoke/air pollution” were among the complaints recorded on the public‑comment record.

To address those concerns, the Board authorized the county attorney to engage the Raleigh law firm of F. Bryan Brice Jr. to conduct a focused review of the county’s Solar Energy Development Ordinance and inactive solar farm sites. County Attorney Scott McKellar told commissioners he had discussed terms with the firm and recommended the engagement; the letter of engagement uses hourly rates for senior counsel, associates and paralegals and can be terminated by the county.

Chair William Ed Martin said the engagement was requested by both the Board and citizens; Attorney McKellar recommended final approval once the engagement letter is returned. Commissioners emphasized that the ordinance review and community benefits discussions are distinct steps — the CBA provides near‑term community funding while legal review may lead to ordinance revisions.

What happens next: Staff will complete the engagement letter, Brice's office will begin the ordinance review, and county staff will return to the Board with recommended ordinance language or next steps for enforcement and permitting.