Dominion continues work on three solar-energy projects

Richmond-based Dominion Virginia Power said Tuesday that three solar-energy projects currently under construction will be operational by the end of the year.

The projects in Isle of Wight, Louisa and Powhatan counties are expected to produce 56 megawatts (MW) of electricity at peak output, enough to power about 14,000 homes.

The projects are:

•         Isle of Wight (Woodland Solar) – 80,000 solar panels will produce 19 MW at peak output, enough to power 4,750 homes.

•         Louisa (Whitehouse Solar) – 83,000 solar panels, 20 MW, 5,000 homes.

•         Powhatan (Scott Solar) – 77,000 solar panels, 17 MW, 4,250 homes.

Dominion said the projects are on schedule and on budget. The company said the facilities created more than 800 construction jobs and are expected to have a cumulative economic impact of $74 million.

Other planned solar projects, pending regulatory approval, are: the Remington Solar Facility in Fauquier County — a 20 MW facility that will contain about 260,000 photovoltaic panels and is in partnership with the state and Microsoft; and the Oceana Solar Facility in Virginia Beach — a 17.6 MW facility that will contain about 179,000 panels and is in partnership with the state and the Navy.