HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/11/2024 - Energy Right - Utility Scale Solar Ordinance StandardsEnergy Right -Utility Scale Solar Ordinance Standards
Energy Right has published a set of ordinance standards to help make solar projects the
best neighbors possible.Su cient but not superfluous ordinance language strikes the right
balance between meaningful standards,property rights,and energy needs.These
requirements will allow for good projects to come forward and be the best neighbors possible
for rural Virginia.
-Setbacks from property lines (50-100ft),
-Setbacks of 50-100 ft o of a property line to a fence line are a common sense measure
to help maintain the rural character of our land,and also to make these projects the
best neighbor possible for our communities.
-Setbacks from homes (150-250ft)
-Adding additional setbacks when a project parcel is close to a neighbor’s home is an
important factor to ensuring the community can continue to enjoy their “slice of
heaven”in rural Virginia.
-Vegetative Bu ers
-Within setbacks,planted bu ers,or supplementing existing natural vegetation
bu ers,of 25-50 ft surrounding the project help ensure that solar projects are
shielded from view from neighbors and passersby.
-Decommissioning Plan
-Proposed projects should submit thorough decommissioning plans to ensure that
project land is returned to its original state or better when the life of a project ends.
Money set aside up front to pay for decommissioning,financial surety,should account
for inflation,administrative costs,as well as the salvage value of project materials.
-Meaningful Community Engagement
-Genuine outreach in the communities where a project is proposed is imperative.
Speaking with and gathering input from neighboring landowners,county leaders,and
community groups will result in the best project possible for the whole community.In
addition to individual outreach,at least one community meeting should be held prior
to any o cial public hearings with neighbors invited.
-Regenerative Ground Cover
-Project proposals should include commitments to include native grasses and/or
pollinator species to bees,butterflies,and local farms with pollination.Where solar
grazing is considered,seed mixes should be vetted with grazers.
-Setbacks from wetlands
-Setbacks of 25 -50 ft from designated wetlands limits the impact to these important
areas,and can help preserve them in perpetuity.
-Topsoil Retention
-Whenever possible,topsoil should remain undisturbed and should always remain on
site to support the growth of ground cover.
-Erosion control
-Erosion and sediment control plans should be submitted and abided to prevent erosion
and excess runo ,which can adversely a ect neighbors and waterways.
-Sourcing local goods and services
-Whenever possible,developers and Engineering,Procurement,and Construction
companies (EPCs)should aim to source goods and services as local to the project site
as possible.The true economic benefits come from spending dollars with local
businesses,magnifying the investment.
-Tra c mitigation,road maintenance
-If tra c and road maintenance concerns are brought by neighbors or local leaders,
projects should include plans to mitigate tra c and impacts on roads.
-Local Taxation
-Solar projects can and should be great economic drivers in rural Virginia.Entering into
revenue sharing agreements or siting agreements is a great way to bring in new tax
revenue without additional demand on public services.This tax revenue can help lower
taxes on citizens or go to repairing roads,infrastructure,schools,or first responders.
Energy Right will grant an “Energy Right Seal of Approval”to county ordinances that
reasonably meet these criteria.All Virginians—local communities,businesses,the solar
industry,landowners,and neighbors—stand to benefit from quality projects coming forward.
We believe these guidelines strike the right balance and constructively help move these clean
energy conversations forward.