Dominion solar farm powering 20,000 homes in Halifax County, one of many in move to clean energy
HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – A Dominion Energy solar farm is up and running in Halifax County, and it’s just the beginning for the company’s move to clean energy.
The Piney Creek Solar Farm spans over 770 acres off Route 607.
Halifax County resident Debra Jennings lives right beside the farm and was concerned about the busy road during construction last fall.
“When they first started, it was a little hectic,” said Jennings. “There was a lot of traffic and a lot of noise early in the morning waking me up.”
But now, she’s looking on the bright side.
“It comes right to the end of our line, but I have no negative thoughts about it at all. I think it might be a good thing. I think if you’re getting power from the sun, that’s a good thing,” added Jennings.
Dominion says the 188,000 panels produce enough energy to power 20,000 homes, which is two-thirds of Halifax County.
“It means a lot of clean energy for the residents of Halifax County and surrounding neighborhoods,” said Tim Eberly, Dominion Energy spokesperson.
It also has wildlife corridors that allow animals to cut through the property and access the streams.
Eberly says the materials used in their solar panels don’t release dangerous metals into ground, eliminating the need to test the water.
“For the wildlife that were here before we showed up and developed the solar farm, we’re trying to not disrupt their normal routine and their habitat,” explained Eberly.
He says this is just one of many solar farms planned for the region due to their cost and environmental benefits compared to other energy production methods.
“This is pollution-free energy, this is environmentally-friendly energy. As we retire some of our traditional sources of power generation like coal plants or natural gas plants, this is the energy of the future,” said Eberly.
Eberly says Dominion is developing six to eight solar farms per year.
They have over 20 solar farms in development in Virginia that will supply power to 2.4 million homes.
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