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Mixed-Use Solar Facility in Shenandoah County

$3 M IN TAX REVENUE TO SHENANDOAH COUNTY

75-100
CONSTRUCTION JOBS

QUIET
COMMUNITY NEIGHBOR

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ABOUT

About

Valley Overlook solar is a proposed 20MW solar facility that will provide clean and renewable energy using American-made products. The project will be one of dual uses, pairing energy generation and sheep grazing. Blending energy generation and agriculture allows for an expansion of Shenandoah County’s strong agricultural heritage, while embracing a future of clean domestic energy production. The project will be located on approximately 177 acres of private property, near Woodstock in Shenandoah County.

Currently, Valley Overlook Solar is in the development stages. We are securing the local, state and federal permits required to develop the project safely and responsibly.

 

For more information, please call (703) 373-7345.

 

~3,500 HOMES POWERED

28,000 METRIC TONS OF CO OFFSET

POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTINGS

Economic Benefits

Valley Overlook Solar will provide significant benefits to Shenandoah County, including ongoing revenue payments and well-paying construction jobs which will provide training and experience for the local workforce.

  • No strain will be placed on existing county-funded services such as sewer, water, roads, or schools.

  • Ongoing Revenue: The project will generate approximately $3 million in revenue over the next 40 years that can then help support Shenandoah County's priorities.

  • Jobs: The project will create approximately 75-100 well-paying construction jobs during the construction phase.​

  • Boost to Local Businesses: The project will also provide a boost to local hospitality businesses and nearby restaurants which will provide services to workers during the project's construction process. 

Valley Overlook Solar, LLC is a proud member of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce and will prioritize hiring contractors in Shenandoah County to construct, operate, and maintain the project. 

Economic Impact

Project Map

Project Map
Community Benefits

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Community Benefits

Valley Overlook Solar is a long-term partner that will be involved in the community throughout the entire lifespan of the project. We are a unique partner in the solar market because we develop, build, own, operate, and eventually decommission the project after its useful life.

  • Agricultural Character: A partnership with a farmer will provide them with an opportunity to cohabitate on the project site and to expand their local sheep production. Housing sheep with rotational grazing practices will provide a significant increase in sheep production as well as a safe and healthy environment. Additionally, the project will not be seen through extensive buffering.

  • Clean, Reliable Energy: All energy produced will be delivered to a local substation, delivering domestic, affordable, environmentally-friendly energy to the local community.

  • Biodiversity: The project will follow Virginia's Pollinator-Smart Program for solar projects to establish a pollinator meadow on site. These native plants will support habitat for critical species such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

  • American-Made Solar Panels: Valley Overlook Solar is partnering with First Solar, a U.S. based panel manufacturer, whose technology delivers more usable energy per watt than silicon-base modules. First Solar has been producing solar panels for over 20 years, with over 200,000 modules across 18,000 projects in 35 countries.

  • Recycling Program: First Solar voluntarily established the industry’s first global solar panel recycling program in 2005. Following decommissioning of the project, First Solar will be able to recover up to 90% of material from the solar panels.

Environment

Enviromental Impact

Valley Overlook Solar is a safe and environmentally-sound solar project that will preserve vital natural resources and protect the rural and agricultural nature of Shenandoah County. 

 

Valley Overlook Solar will have a positive impact on the environment. There will be no pollution, no noise, and no traffic once the initial construction is complete. Valley Overlook will offset approximately 28,000 metric tons of CO₂ which is equivalent to over 3,500 homes' electricity use for one year.

 

This project allows Shenandoah County to preserve the land, while at the same time producing clean, affordable energy. After the life of the project, all equipment will be removed and there will be no permanent structures or pollution left behind. The site will then be seeded with native grass mixes and ready for other types of land use.

Buffers & Setbacks

Buffers and setbacks designed to minimize the visual impact of the solar farm are an important component of the Valley Overlook Solar project. We will develop these in conformance with the Shenandoah County land development code. Features include extensive setbacks from property boundaries and public right of ways. There will be large vegetative buffers to protect the viewshed. Buffers will include staggered vegetation planted at least 6-feet tall. This vegetated screening will be provided along roads and adjacent properties, where applicable. 

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Vegetation

The design of the Valley Overlook Solar Project includes landscaping and buffers which will screen the project from view and further help maintain the existing character of the area. Any trees planted will be evergreen in nature, so viewshed is always protected. Ground cover will be established beneath and around the panels with native species. In addition, native pollinator mixes in compliance with Virginia's Pollinator Smart program will be planted in parts of the project to increase biodiversity.

Habitat Protection

The project is designed to protect existing wetlands, streams, and other natural resources. Valley Overlook Solar does extensive research and surveying of the area. Therefore, the project will be carefully developed to preserve these wetlands and other natural resources to protect this valuable habitat for decades.

 

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Wildlife

In order to comply with state requirements, Valley Overlook Solar will obtain an environmental permit from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). As part of the permit process, the impact on threatened and endangered species is evaluated and mitigation plans, if needed, are developed. The fencing used is wildlife friendly by allowing small animals to pass through with ease. The installation of new pollinator plants can also enhance biodiversity.

FAQ's

Is solar safe?

Unequivocally yes. Solar panels are designed and tested to withstand a range of extreme environmental conditions. There is no risk for soil or groundwater contamination because the technology we use is expertly contained within the panel and not water soluble. 

Will the solar project cause glare?

No, there will not be a visible glare. Solar panels are designed to absorb light, not reflect it. The panels we use have anti-reflective coating. 

Where will the project be located?

It will be located on 3 parcels of private property between Senedo Road and St Luke Road.

How will the project affect property values?

Research across Virginia and nearby states shows that utility-scale solar projects do not have any negative impact on neighboring residential property values. Based on numerous market studies, interviews with land brokers, research carried out by universities and other independent third parties, there is lack of evidence that solar projects decrease real property values of nearby properties.

FAQ's

RSVP for Community Meeting

This is the RSVP for the community open-house event at the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce building, located at 103 S Main Street, in Woodstock, VA on Monday, February 6th, 2023 from 5-7pm. Please RSVP by February 3rd.

Thank you and see you there!

Contact Us

1201 Wilson Blvd, Ste 2200

Arlington, VA 22209

Tel: (703) 373-7345

info@valleyoverlooksolarproject.com

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