How Navisun partnered with TurningPoint Energy and CS Energy to build and operate Virginia’s largest municipal utility solar farm

In Danville, Virginia, a local tobacco farmer sought to generate additional revenue from his property, which he had placed into a land trust for future generations. His goal was to do so without disrupting farming operations or engaging in major development.

In the fall of 2019, Navisun teamed up with TurningPoint Energy (TPE), CS Energy, and Danville Utilities to build and bring to operation approximately 14 MW DC utility-scale solar project that aligned with the farmer’s goals. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team successfully completed Virginia's largest municipal utility solar farm, which began operations on August 26, 2020.

Challenge

TPE had successfully developed and built another project with Danville Utilities previously and now sought a new partner with aligned values to help execute this project. At the same time, Navisun, a relatively young company then, was eager to expand beyond the Northeast with a community-oriented project that could make a significant local impact. The alignment of company cultures led Navisun to bid on, win and acquire from TPE what became Navisun’s largest project to date. 

The project initially faced logistical challenges, including complex interactions with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding deeded conservation lands. During project closure, TPE managed these challenges while Navisun supported and finalized the necessary permitting applications. Construction commenced in December 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic introduced additional hurdles. Supply delays led to an adjusted project schedule, and additional procedures had to be created to ensure the health and safety of those on site. CS Energy implemented rapid onsite protocols to ensure the health of personnel, setting a standard for future projects.

Solution

Navisun and TPE adopted a community-focused approach, integrating their partnership ethos into every aspect of the project. This collaboration addressed logistical challenges and fostered strong community relationships, setting a benchmark for transparent project management and stakeholder engagement. Danville Utilities, the project’s offtaker, expressed high satisfaction with Navisun’s operational reliability and TPE’s ability to continue developing best in class solar projects for the community.

In the end, the team successfully developed, built and brought to operations two 5 MW AC solar projects on a single parcel of land in Virginia. Each project, with slightly larger capacities of 6.979 MW DC & 6.647 MW DC, uses high-efficiency GCL modules on single-axis trackers, paired with SMA central inverters to optimize energy production. Extensive stormwater management solutions were implemented, including six to seven basins and a well-designed drainage system to control runoff and protect the environment. To meet VADEQ visibility requirements, trees were strategically planted along the site’s perimeter to screen the solar arrays from the adjacent road, demonstrating a commitment to both regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.

To address concerns about landscaping and maintenance, a landscaping bond was established with Pittsylvania County to cover replacement costs if the trees did not thrive. This bond reassured local authorities, who had previously experienced issues with vegetation management on prior projects within the county. Additionally, the project navigated sensitive land issues, including the discovery of a historical slave burial site which required careful adjustments to the project’s layout and approach.

Impact

The 100-acre project is the county’s largest solar development to date and will generate an estimated 23,551 MWh of power each year. This equates to approximately three percent of Danville Utilities’ yearly energy output, enough energy to power approximately 1,500 homes each year within their 500-square-mile service territory in southern Virginia. This solar farm will also contribute to Danville’s current renewable power supply portfolio and help it meet their long-term goal of being completely independent of fossil-fueled generation. In addition, TPE donated $20,000 to a local charity, God’s Pit Crew, which focuses on local disaster relief, crisis response, and supply distribution efforts; a press release can be found here.