Prince Edward supervisors approve 3.8 MW solar farm with stricter decommissioning and screening conditions

The Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a special-use permit for a 3.8 megawatt solar energy facility proposed by Prince Edward Solar 2 LLC (a New Energy Equity subsidiary) and to accept a related siting agreement that includes an upfront payment and annual host‑locality fees.

The board's approval on the May agenda follows a unanimous Planning Commission recommendation subject to conditions and additional amendments added by supervisors during final deliberations. The solar array is proposed for a 77.53‑acre parcel on the north side of Llama Road. The developer estimated the project would place roughly 18.36 acres under panels and serve a modest number of subscribers under a shared‑solar model.

Why it mattered: Planning staff and the developer described the project as sited to minimize visual and environmental impacts; proponents said the facility would bring local permitting and tax revenues, small construction and maintenance jobs, and optional utility bill savings for subscribing customers. Neighbors and some supervisors, however, pressed for stronger financial and timing protections to address long‑term risks if the site changes ownership or ceases operation.

Key details and conditions: The board approved the permit with several new conditions adopted as friendly amendments: a significant increase in the decommissioning assurance (the board required a higher bond multiple and tighter escrow rules), a shortened notification requirement for any change in the party responsible for decommissioning (reduced from 60 days to 15 days), and revisions to the screening/planting schedule to better protect adjacent residents (trees and perimeter screening to be established within a year of the site becoming operational, with timing and species subject to site‑plan review).

During the hearing the applicant said the estimated decommissioning cost for the project was approximately $231,123.29 (applicant estimate), and explained the company will recalculate and re‑bond the required amount every five years to reflect inflation and salvage values. The developer also proposed a 75‑ to 150‑foot buffer and additional tree plantings on sides facing residences.

Public comment: Local landowner Andrew Elder spoke in favor, noting prior experience working with New Energy Equity on nearby projects. Stan Smith, a longtime electrical‑industry worker, urged caution and framed the project in the context of broader state energy policy, calling attention to alleged downstream rate impacts.

Siting agreement and payments: The board separately held the statutorily required public hearing on a host (siting) agreement and approved it. The agreement approved by the board provides an upfront voluntary payment of $25,000 per megawatt ($95,000 total for 3.8 MW) and an annual payment of $1,540 per megawatt (escales every five years), plus the change of land‑use classification for fenced acreage under state rules.

Vote: The special‑use permit passed after conditions were added; the public record shows the permit motion carried with a recorded tally the board stated as 6 yes, 2 no. The siting agreement was approved in a separate vote.

What happens next: The developer must complete required state and local permits, finalize the detailed site‑plan (including exact screening species and timing), secure the required decommissioning bond, and satisfy building and fire codes before construction can begin. The board chair said staff will incorporate lessons from this review into the county's template for future applications.