Solar Energy Facility Information & Projects

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Solar Energy Facility Information

As our global energy needs increase and energy providers look towards renewable sources to meet demands, Solar Energy is emerging as one of the fastest growing solutions for energy needs. Prince George County has received several requests for construction of Solar Energy Facilities throughout the County, and has developed a policy governing the development of these facilities.

Click Here to view the Adopted Solar Energy Facility Siting Policy (adopted 8-11-20 and formally adopted as part of the County Comprehensive Plan on 5-24-22)
Click Here to view the Comment Table used to prepare the Solar Energy Facility Siting Policy 
Click Here to view the Board of Supervisors Update - October 20, 2021
Click Here to view the Solar Ordinance Amendment - Adopted April 25, 2017

Battery Energy Storage Facilities are considered a separate land use.
Click Here to view the Battery Energy Storage Facility Ordinance - Adopted May 10, 2022

Solar Facility Site Plans Under Review

Powell Creek Solar Facility - Click Here to view the proposed Site Plan (not yet approved)

Solar Facility Special Exceptions Under Review

Baker's Pond Solar Facility (RWE Clean Energy) - Click Here to view application files for this project (# SE-23-09).

The review of #SE-23-09 was split into two stages:

The first stage (still in progress) called Substantial Accord Determination #SA-23-01, focuses on the size and location of the facility within the County to determine if the request is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan (including the Siting Policy). Following a public hearing on October 26, 2023, the Prince George County Planning Commission adopted a resolution determining that the RWE Clean Energy proposal is NOT in "substantial accord" with the Comprehensive Plan by a 7-0 vote.
Click Here to view the staff report materials provided to the Planning Commission for the October 26 Public Hearing.
Click Here to view the resolution adopted by the Planning Commission.

On Friday, November 3, RWE Clean Energy filed an appeal to the Board of Supervisors requesting that they re-consider the Substantial Accord determination by the Planning Commission. Click here to view the Appeal Materials.

In response to the Appeal, the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on December 12 and make a decision following the public hearing.

If the Board determines that the proposed facility IS in Substantial Accord, it would overturn the Planning Commission determination and the second stage of the review of #SE-23-09 would continue with another staff report and public hearing focusing on the remaining guidelines in the Solar Siting Policy, including details inside of the footprint of the facility, such as screening, buffers/setbacks from adjacent properties, and other layout and design details.

If the Board does not overturn the Planning Commission's determination, then there would be no second stage and application #SE-23-09 will be halted and cannot continue. If that occurs, then the applicant could choose to modify their proposal and submit a new application, which would initiate a new process from the beginning.

For additional information please click on the following link: Frequently Asked Questions.