Taro Solar 140MW Project Hits Density Cap, Board Vote Set for December 10

The Taro Solar Project, a 140 MW utility-scale photovoltaic facility, is advancing through the final stages of permitting in Charlotte County, Virginia, positioning itself as one of the region’s largest renewable energy investments.

Developer and Ownership

• Developer: Taro Solar LLC, with development led by NOVI Energy

• Land: The project spans 2,117 acres across 36 contiguous parcels. BLUE ROCK RESOURCES LLC holds the largest share, 1,043 acres.

Project Scale and Output

• Capacity: 140 MW AC (189 MW DC)

• Modules: ~304,850 solar panels (620 W each) on single-axis tracking systems

• Substation: New 250 x 400-foot facility interconnecting with the 115 kV line linking Pamplin and Chase City substations

• Operational Lifespan: 35 years

Economic Impact

• Decommissioning Guarantee: $12.9M escrow to cover reclamation, excluding salvage value

• Upfront Payments: $3.5M for public improvements ($25,000 per MW)

• Revenue Sharing: $215,600 annually starting in 2030, growing 10% every five years, totaling roughly $10M over the project lifespan

Regulatory and Community Considerations

• The project exceeds Charlotte County’s 3% solar density cap within a 5-mile radius, covering 6.31%, making Board of Supervisors approval critical

• Environmental Measures: 402 acres dedicated to open space, setbacks of 400 feet from residences and Saint Andrews Church, 951 feet from church cemetery

• Biodiversity Initiatives: Pollinator plantings, quail habitat development, and minimized disturbance (~895 acres), coordinated with Virginia Department of Natural Resources and Quail Forever

Taro Solar Utility-Scale PV Project Hits Density Cap, Board Vote Set for December 10