SOLAR

Dominion Energy Virginia Expands Solar Projects, Could Eventually Power Millions of Homes

April 7, 2024

Virginia State Corporation Commission has approved over a dozen new solar projects by Dominion Energy Virginia, expanding the company’s solar offerings.
The expansion includes four solar projects that could power almost 200,000 homes at peak output.
Dominion Energy Virginia is set to surpass 4,600 megawatts of solar projects in the state, creating over 1,600 jobs and generating $570 million in economic benefits.

Earlier this month, the Virginia State Corporation Commission approved over a dozen new solar projects by Dominion Energy Virginia. The move will significantly expand the company’s solar offerings, which already combine to make the nation’s second-largest solar project.

Dominion Energy Virginia’s Expansion

The new expansion will include four solar projects totaling 329 megawatts. It will also be able to generate 764 megawatts of electricity, which would be enough to power almost 200,000 homes at peak output. What’s more, the projects will include 13 power-purchase agreements totaling 435 megawatts via additional, independently owned solar projects.

Once these projects are completed, Dominion Energy Virginia will surpass 4,600 megawatts of solar projects in the state, creating enough electricity to potentially power over 1.1 million homes at peak output.

An Exciting Move for Virginia

The projects are still in the early stages — before construction can begin, they still need local and state permits. But once that’s taken care of, the projects are expected to be completed by 2026.

The cost of these projects will be shared among Dominion Energy Virginia customers, but the company estimates that monthly power bills would see just $1.54 added on to defray that cost. The power company’s rates are already 12% below the national average, so thankfully area customers will still see rather low electricity bills as the project is underway.

Not to mention, adding more solar to Virginia’s power grid could mean a continuation of lower bills for everyone in the area, thanks to the cost effectiveness of sustainable energy sources. Plus, for people who are concerned about the source of electricity for say, charging their electric cars, they can rest easier knowing that they’re not fueling their EVs from dirty energy sources.

The company says that construction on these projects will support over 1,600 area jobs and will generate over $570 million in economic benefits across the state.

“These projects deliver on our promise of reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy for our customers,” said Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia. “Through our investments in offshore wind, battery storage and solar, Virginia continues to make progress on its clean energy transition.”