Dominion plans extensive solar expansion in Virginia

With an application to build its first large-scale solar project in Virginia already submitted, Dominion Virginia Power (Richmond, VA) has announced plans to develop multiple large-scale solar power projects amounting to 400 MW of new electricity-generating capacity. Dominion said that all of the projects will be built in Virginia with the “involvement” of Virginia-based companies. Dominion plans to have all of the facilities up and running by 2020. “Our commitment to solar energy is an important part of the immediate future of our state,” said Thomas Farrell II, chairman, president, and CEO of Dominion Resources, Dominion Virginia Power’s parent company. “Technology has evolved in such a way that we see a long-term benefit for our customers and will work to lead the way in solar generation.” Dominion expects to invest approximately $700 million in the new solar projects and is now in the process of identifying viable sites around Virginia for the facilities. The first project will be a 20 MW facility to be built on 125 acres of Dominion-owned land near its Remington Power Station in Fauquier County.