Clean Energy For Isle of Wight
$4.5 M IN TAX REVENUE
POLLINATORS AND VEGETATIVE SCREENS
QUIET COMMUNITY NEIGHBOR
ABOUT
About
Prairie Solar, LLC is a solar project located on private property in Windsor, Virginia. The 20 MW project will be on approximately 152 acres and is committed to preserving the agricultural character of the County.
Currently, Prairie Solar is in the development stages. We are securing necessary legal and environmental permits to safely and responsibly develop the project.
For more information, email:
20 MEGAWATTS (MW)
POLLINATOR GARDENS
AMERICAN MADE
Economic Benefits
Prairie Solar will provide significant benefits to Isle of Wight County, by providing ongoing revenue payments and well-paying construction jobs that will provide training and experience for the local workforce.
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Ongoing Revenue: The project will generate approximately $4.5 million in tax revenue over the anticipated 35 years of project lifetime.
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Jobs: The project will create approximately 30 well-paying construction jobs during the construction phase and will provide a boost to local hospitality businesses.
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Project revenue can be used to benefit numerous County services and there will be no strain placed on existing County-funded services and infrastructure.
We prioritize hiring local contractors as much as possible and use only American-made solar panels.
Project Map
Environmental Impact
Prairie Solar will preserve vital natural resources and protect the rural nature of Isle of Wight County.
Prairie Solar will be a quiet neighbor with a positive impact on the environment. There will be no pollution, no noise, and no traffic once the initial construction is complete. Prairie will offset approximately 29,500 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide.
To understand how we calculate these environmental impacts, check out the tools below.
This project allows Isle of Wight to preserve the land, while producing clean and affordable energy. Our panel manufacturer, First Solar offers a high yield recycling program to ensure all equipment has minimal carbon impact. After decommissioning, the site will be seeded with native grass mixes and ready for other kinds of land use.
To learn more about First Solar and their recycling program, please click below.
Buffers & Setbacks
Buffers and setbacks designed to minimize the visual impact of the solar project are an important component of the Prairie Solar project. Features include 50 foot setbacks from property boundaries and roads and extensive vegetative buffers to protect the viewshed. This vegetated screening will be provided along roads and adjacent properties, where applicable.
Vegetation
The design of the Prairie Solar Project includes landscaping and buffers which will screen the project from view and further help maintain the existing character of the area. Our development process includes an evaluation of the existing vegetation, in conformance with the Isle of Wight County land development code, and establishment of ground cover with native species. In addition, pollinator mixes will be planted in parts of the project to increase biodiversity on site.
Habitat Protection
The project is designed to protect existing wetlands, streams, and other natural resources. The project will be carefully developed to preserve these wetlands and other natural resources so as to protect this valuable habitat for decades.
Contact
Wildlife
In order to comply with state requirements, Prairie 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. Fencing that would affect wildlife will only be placed in areas where there are solar panels.
FAQ's
Is solar safe?
Unequivocally, yes. Solar panels are designed and tested to withstand a range of extreme environmental conditions. Our panels are non-soluble in water, meaning there is zero risk of contamination from the panels.
Will the solar project cause glare?
No, there will not be a visible glare. Solar panels are designed to absorb light, not reflect it.
Where will the project be located?
Prairie Solar will be located on private property off of Longview Drive in Windsor, Virginia.
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.
Community Meeting RSVP
This is the RSVP for the community meeting at Christian Home Baptist Church, 20123 Longview Drive, Windsor, Virginia on February 1st, 2023 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Please RSVP by January 30th.