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Solar power demonstration facility proposed for Halifax County

photo by technicolorcavalryThe Halifax County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and Dominion Power, along with an unnamed battery manufacturer, plan to develop a pilot demonstration facility for solar power generation and battery storage. If approved, the proposed facility should be operational in 2012 and would create 150 jobs over three years.

A location for the facility has not been selected, but officials note that the solar panels will need about 30 to 50 acres. The battery manufacturing plant will require about 70,000 square feet, and could be located in an existing building.

The creation of high-paying jobs boosts the local economy and, in turn, helps stabilize the real estate market. Current homeowners are more likely to stay in their homes if they are employed and can make their mortgage payments. 

Read more in The Gazette-Virginian....

Posted on Monday, June 14, 2010 - 1:58pm

Southside's First Solar Power Project Coming to Danville

Southside's first solar power project will be coming to Danville's Community Market, according to GoDanRiver.com.

The project is funded by federal stimulus money, and being used by Danville Utilities to purchase and install the panels. This is a great beginning for a long-term and sustainable clean energy economy in Southside.

Homeowners can appreciate this news because it is the start of a new industry in the area which can bring in new jobs, boost the local economy, increase the tax base and increase property values.

"Danville’s Community Market will be the recipient of the first solar power project by a utility in Southside, thanks to $202,000 in federal stimulus funds, according to a letter from the city manager to City Council and Mayor Sherman Saunders.

Danville Utilities will use the funding to buy and install solar photovoltaic electric generation panels on the Community Market building at the Crossing of the Dan. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Danville the 'Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant,' which was distributed to the largest cities and counties in Virginia and other states as part of the federal stimulus bill.

According to the letter, 'this will be the first solar power generation project undertaken by a utility in Southside Virginia.' The funds must be spent so as to create and/or retain jobs, 'while laying the foundation for a long-term and sustainable clean energy economy.'

Funding for the project is included in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget.

The electricity generated will both supply the Community Market building and supplement the city’s purchased power.

City Manager Lyle Lacy and Mayor Saunders could not be reached for comment Sunday. City Council will vote on the ordinance Tuesday."

Read the original story.

Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 6:24pm