TurningPoint Energy developing two 5-MW Virginia solar projects

• The City of Danville announced the commencement of two 5-MWac solar power plants, its third and fourth solar power purchase agreements to bring clean, cost-effective solar power to its customers and community.

In collaboration with TurningPoint Energy and solar partner, Navisun, the combined 10 MW will begin construction by the end of the year in Pittsylvania County with plans to be operational and generate clean energy to Danville Utilities’ customers in the summer of 2020.

The two solar projects, named Irish Road Solar and Whitmell Solar, span 100 acres along State Road 703/Irish Road and will generate an estimated 23,668,000 kWh annually. That is enough electricity to supply 2.5% of the city’s power needs.

The project supports 125 jobs in Virginia in the form of consultants, engineers, construction and related occupations, while also generating additional property tax revenue for Pittsylvania County.

The two solar projects come on the heels of Governor Ralph Northam’s Executive Order 43 signed on September 17th, 2019. The executive order sets a goal of achieving 30% of Virginia’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Virginia currently has about 775 MW of installed solar, which generates roughly 1.03% of the total electricity in the state.

“We’re really excited to see our third and fourth solar projects come to life here in Danville. Not only are we working to increase the amount of renewable energy options to our customers, but we’re proud to be helping our state’s commitments in reducing our environmental impact and boosting the clean energy economy,” said Jason Grey, director of utilities for the City of Danville.

The project was developed by TurningPoint Energy, a clean energy development company with solar projects throughout the United States, including Danville Utilities’ first solar project, the 6-MW Kentuck Solar plant.

The clean energy produced by the two new solar projects in Chatham will be sold under power purchase agreements to Danville Utilities, an electric municipal utility serving more than 42,000 customers in three Virginia counties.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to develop our second and third solar power plants for Danville Utilities, its customers and its community. The competitively priced clean solar energy will be generating for years to come in Pittsylvania County,” said Jared Schoch, president of TurningPoint Energy. “These combined projects demonstrate more than $20 million in economic development investment. We are proud to help the growth of the area here locally.”

Navisun, a solar independent power producer, will finance, build, own and operate the projects.

“Navisun is excited to work with the city of Danville and TurningPoint Energy to provide low-cost renewable energy to Danville Utilities’ customers,” said John Malloy, Navisun’s managing partner and co-founder. “We recognize the importance of the project and are honored to be part of the community and help Danville achieve their renewable energy goals.”