Mixed-Use Agriculture and Solar Project in Rockingham County
$8.8 M IN TAX REVENUE
QUIET COMMUNITY NEIGHBOR
240 CONSTRUCTION JOBS
ABOUT
About
Skyline Solar is a responsible, mixed-use agriculture and solar project located on private property in Keezletown, Virginia. The 73 MW project will be located on approximately 380 acres and is committed to preserving the agricultural character of the County.
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Currently, Skyline 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 (571) 414-1442.
73 MEGAWATTS (MW)
11,000 HOMES POWERED
POLLINATOR PLANTINGS & HONEYBEES
SHEEP GRAZING UNDER PANELS
A Unique Dual-Use Agricultural Project
Skyline Solar understands the importance of maintaining the integrity and agricultural significance of land in Rockingham County. Therefore, the project is a dual use project committed to agricultural preservation.
The project will preserve existing turkey operations on site, house beehives from a local beekeeper, and partner with local farmers to allow for sheep grazing between and under the panels.
Economic Benefits
Skyline Solar will provide significant benefits to Rockingham County, including ongoing revenue payments and well-paying construction jobs which will provide training and experience for the local workforce.
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Ongoing Revenue: The project will generate approximately $8.8 million in tax revenue over the anticipated 35 years of project lifetime.
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Jobs: The project will create approximately 240 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 are members of the Harrisonburg –Rockingham Chamber of Commerce and prioritize hiring local contractors as much as possible and use only American-made solar panels.
Project Map
Buffers & Setbacks
Buffers and setbacks designed to minimize the visual impact of the solar project are an important component of the Skyline Solar project. Features include 150 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 Skyline 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 Rockingham 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. Local bee keepers will maintain honey bee hives on site to support nearby agricultural operations.
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.
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Environmental Impact
Skyline is a safe and environmentally-sound solar project that will preserve vital natural resources and protect the rural integrity of Rockingham County.
This project will produce domestic, affordable, environmentally friendly energy to the Keezletown community. Skyline will offset approximately 108,000 tons of CO2, which is equivalent to emissions produced by 21,000 homes for one year.
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Skyline 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. The project will be completely screened from roads and houses with trees, shrubs, and topography.
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Contact
Wildlife
In order to comply with state requirements, Skyline 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.
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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?
Skyline Solar will be located in Keezletown on 7 privately owned parcels situated west of Mountain Valley Rd. (Rte.620), east of Indian Trail Rd. (Rte.719), and north of Keezletown Rd. (Rte.925) in Rockingham County.
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.
Contact Us
1201 Wilson Blvd, Ste 2200
Arlington, VA 22209
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Tel: (571) 414-1442