Dominion proposes large-scale solar facility in Fauquier

Dominion Virginia Power is proposing to build a 20-megawatt solar facility in Fauquier County.

The power company is seeking approval from the State Corporation Commission for the 125-acre project, which would include 90,000 photovoltaic panels that would generate enough electricity at peak capacity to power 5,000 homes. Dominion says the project would be Virginia’s first large-scale solar generation facility.

The 20-megawatt project would be built on property near the Remington Power Station.

The estimated in-service date for the facility is October 2016.

“The Remington Solar Facility marks the beginning of an exciting process with large scale solar technology that adds emission-free generation in the commonwealth,” Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and CEO of Dominion Resources, said in a statement.

Dominion is also seeking SCC approval of a Community Solar pilot program in Virginia. This project would allow customers to voluntarily purchase solar energy output from a Virginia-based 2-megawatt Dominion solar facility.

“I am pleased to have worked with Dominion Virginia Power to make solar an option for residents who live in condominiums or homes that have excessive tree cover and are impractical for solar installations,” Del. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, said in a statement.