Frequently Asked Questions

  • Blackwater Solar is designed to coexist and benefit the local environment by contributing to air and water quality while also providing habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

    • Blackwater Solar’s landscape includes 40+ miles of wildlife corridors with over 3,000+ acres of open space.

    • Ground cover for disturbed areas will be planted with native pollinator-smart seed mixes to comply with Pollinator-Smart standards as defined by the Virginia DEQ/DCR. Pollinator habitats enhance he soil, prevent erosion, and encourage habitats for insects and small animals that contribute to a thriving local ecosystem.

    • The CO2 offset from the project is equivalent to avoiding more than 100 million gallons of gasoline burned annually.

  • No, the solar panels used for Blackwater Solar will not contain any hazardous materials. The current design utilizes Tier I UL rated solar modules. The primary components are monocrystalline silicon wafers, copper-based electric wiring and substrates, and tempered glass.

  • Blackwater Solar will seek a long-term buyer of the facility’s output after receiving the necessary local permits. Likely buyers include Virginia Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs), local electric cooperatives, or commercial and industrial companies with large electricity needs.

  • Sussex County offers an attractive mix of available electrical transmission lines and willing landowners. The Blackwater Solar site is adjacent to a 500kV transmission line, which allows for 600 MWac of new capacity without requiring burdensome transmission system upgrades. The project is also comprised of enough private, willing landowners to accommodate the full site.

  • Yes, Blackwater Solar is committed to being an economic engine locally during both construction and operations. Most of the local spending during construction occurs at local businesses such as restaurants and diners, hardware stores, hotels, gas stations, rental agencies, etc. — all of which benefit the local community. The project will employ over 200 people during construction, with an estimated seven on-site employees daily during operations.

  • Yes, Blackwater Solar will be required to return the property to its original condition after the end of its useful life.

    The Sussex County zoning ordinance requires all solar projects to post a decommissioning bond for the full cost of removal and restoration. The value of this bond will be re-evaluated every five years to capture any changes in cost expectations during the life of the project.

  • An operating solar farm is a good, quiet neighbor. Post-construction, the project will generate next to zero noise, and traffic will be minimal.

    • There will be 2-7 on-site employees daily and minimal deliveries or maintenance vehicles.

    • The project’s infrastructure, including trackers and inverters, are not audible at a distance greater than 5 meters and are all located within the array away from homes and roadways.

    • The project will be remotely monitored with minimal lighting.

    • The project will generate zero pollution, and will help displace resources that post a threat to air and water quality.

  • Yes, Sussex County has an ordinance for utility scale solar facilities. The project also requires a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). A copy of the Sussex County zoning ordinance can be found here.

  • Blackwater Solar plans to leave 150’ of existing vegetation around the perimeter of the site, which will shield the project from view from neighboring properties and public roads. In some areas where vegetation is sparse, the project will plant vegetative screens as required by the Sussex County zoning ordinance.

  • Numerous studies completed across the U.S. - including studies specific to Virginia - have found that the construction of a solar farm has no negative effect on neighboring property values. A survey of property assessors suggests that some features of solar facilities may even have positive impacts on nearby homes - such as the presence of trees and other visual barriers surrounding the arrays, and the assurance that no additional housing development will occur.

  • Blackwater Solar expects to make tax payments to the County exceeding $100 million over the life of the project. The final tax revenue depends on project design and equipment costs. Blackwater Solar will negotiate a Siting Agreement with the Board of Supervisors, which will provide additional payments designed to expand essential services in the County. Details of these payments will be negotiated and approved by the County Board of Supervisors during the permitting process.