Switchgrass Solar Farm | RWE in the Americas

Project introduction

Switchgrass Solar Farm is a 69 megawatt (MWac) solar project currently under development in Suffolk, Virginia. The project is located just south of the city, along the east side of Hosier Road. Switchgrass will be an extension of the existing Pleasant Hill solar facility currently located at 1188 Hosier Road, which is currently operated by an affiliate.

This solar facility will produce enough reliable, pollution-free electricity to power over 11,107 homes. During construction, Switchgrass will create 200 jobs. Three permanent operations jobs will be directly created, along with another two indirect and induced jobs during the life of the facility, which is anticipated to be 40 years. During those 40 years, it is projected that Switchgrass will generate nearly $7 million in revenue for Suffolk, money that can go to first responders, education, and community development.

Switchgrass Solar Farm is anticipated to be commercially operational by the end of 2027.

Status: In development

Site Location

Facts and Figures

00 Megawatt (MW)

solar photovoltaic facility

Over 00

Virginian homes powered¹

construction jobs created

Over $ 00 Million

in city revenue generated over the life of the project

Project Benefits

Supporting Local Infrastructures

Switchgrass Solar Farm will provide millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to the city of Suffolk. This new source of public revenue can help reduce the tax burden on local residents. This is money that can be used to support important capital improvement projects and vital services including fire departments and first responders, schools, parks, and roads. Switchgrass is a low-impact form of development that will generate revenue, at no cost to the city, and with no added burden to local infrastructure and services.

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Supporting Local Infrastructures

Supporting Communities

Switchgrass Solar Farm is an opportunity to invest in our community’s future. The project would provide over $11 million in local economic output during construction, with $3.8 million going directly to local residents through wages and benefits. Additionally, the project will contribute almost $7 million in cumulative city revenue over its operational lifespan, generating revenue to support infrastructure, schools, and local businesses.

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Supporting Communities

Strengthening Local Economies

Hundreds of jobs will be created during construction, offering opportunities for residents to enter the rapidly expanding clean energy workforce. Local businesses will see an economic boom as demand for lodging, restaurants, supplies, vehicle maintenance, and fuel increases throughout the nine to 12 months of construction. During operations, three permanent positions will be created to operate Switchgrass Solar Farm, and the project will continue to source supplies from local businesses.

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Strengthening Local Economies

Stronger electric grid

Solar energy has become one of the most affordable and reliable sources of electricity available today. By harnessing the sun’s energy, solar farms increase the resiliency of Virginia’s electric grid while protecting consumers from the volatility and rising costs of traditional energy sources.

Protecting the Environment & the Community

Switchgrass Solar Farm will be designed to complement existing land uses, protect the soil, and avoid negative impacts to wildlife. Solar farms produce electricity without generating any pollution, resulting in cleaner air and water when compared to traditional power plants.

Comprehensive studies are required as part of the planning and permitting process to protect public safety and the environment. Switchgrass Solar Farm will be virtually silent outside the fence line, while setbacks and vegetative screening will minimize viewshed impacts. Solar panels are designed to minimize glare and are often installed at major airports across the world.

Switchgrass Solar Farm will use silicon-based PV panels, which are made of safe, well-tested materials commonly used in building and household products. The panels are fully sealed and extremely durable, preventing trace metals from escaping into the surrounding soil. PV solar panels are so safe that millions of families across the U.S. have put solar panels on their homes and literally sleep beneath them. RWE’s advanced remote operations center will monitor the panels 24/7, 365 days a year while the onsite operations team will be available to respond in the unlikely event of an emergency.

At the end of Switchgrass Solar Farm’s useful life, equipment will be removed and the land can be returned to its original uses.

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