Utility-Scale Solar PV in Virginia
Artifacts from Informational Webinars
FIRST WEBINAR
Slides from Presentation
Mr. Richard Street, Deputy Director of Environmental Codes, Spotsylvania County, Virginia
This VCE In-service webinar features Mr. Richard Street, Deputy Director of Environmental Codes, Spotsylvania County (VT Alum, Biological Systems Engineering). Mr. Street will share some of his experiences with utility-scale solar PV from project development in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.
Slides from Presentation
John Ignosh, BSE, Virginia Cooperative Extension
Introductory presentation from John Ignosh, BSE Virginia Cooperative Extension
Recording of Webinar
Recording from Webinar held December 19, 2019
SECOND WEBINAR
Webinar Recording
INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
Virginia Resources for Utility-Scale “Solar Farms”
Thursday, May 28th 2020 10AM
FOLLOW-UP RESPONSES TO Q&A POSED DURING SESSION
How many megawatts could I generate per acre ?
SEIA estimates about 5 -10 acres per MW (https://www.seia.org/initiatives/siting-permitting-land-use-utility-scale-solar)
Also, PBR provides a good source to see what has been permitted in Virginia: average of about 13 acres/MW for about 35 projects since 2016.
What is the average income per megawatt per year?
This question depends on a variety of project specific details.
For reference system costs please see the National Renewable Energy Lab’s U.S. Solar Photovoltaic System Cost Benchmark: Q1 2018 report at: https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy19osti/72399.pdf
For reference, sample lease terms are often quoted in news articles and range widely (example article at:https://www.farmprogress.com/land-management/weigh-risks-signing-solar-lease)
If you have a major power line running across your land is that helpful? What are the priorities for site selection by a commercial utility? What are there needs to make it work profitability for them?
Chapter 6 of this publication (Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants In partnership with A Project Developer’s Guide, International Finance Corporation (IFC)) can provide an overview of common site selection factors, https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/a1b3dbd3-983e-4ee3-a67b-cdc29ef900cb/IFC+Solar+Report_Web+_08+05.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=kZePDPG
Is this possible for an individual landowner to do this himself with the proper permits? Is it possible for a landowner to do this or does he have to lease?
Not sure. Seems that utility-scale projects have typically been proposed/developed by project developers, though there are likely variations to this model that have (will, or could) occur.
Will utilities allow private development of solar systems? What are we doing to ensure utilities do not block with legislation private development?
There are a variety of sizes, project development and ownership models by which private solar energy systems are developed (some via pilot programs, or caps), some examples with links below for reference:
Net metering: https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/40
Power Purchase Agreements:
Community solar: https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/virginia/learn-the-issues-in-virginia/community-solar-in-virginia/
Private utility-scale solar project development, some examples at: https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/virginia-solar
Can you explain a bit more about the legislation regarding solar comprehensive plans?
HB 657, “Comprehensive Plan, Solar Facilities Review” was introduced by Delegate Steve Heretick, and passed in the 2020 legislative session. In essence, this change allows for a solar facility to be exempt from the requirement that it be reviewed for substantial accord (the “2232”) with a locality’s comprehensive plan, if the locality waives such requirement.
Could you briefly describe how an array system works?
For an introduction to photovoltaic (PV) technology, system components (cells to arrays), please see: http://youtu.be/73wZPcz9c70
Did you did visual assessment from the AT in the community process for impacts?
Yes, that was key. They were highly concerned and we did extensive visualization modeling to show them the proposed project alternatives and give them choices for which ones they preferred. In the end they strongly supported the project.
Are localities zoning utility scale solar? In particular, are they typically zoned commercial / industrial?
Each locality has the ability to zone utility scale solar in any district as they see fit. It is considered best practice for a locality to be prepared for, and to address utility scale solar in their zoning ordinance, but it depends on the locality whether it is permitted (by-right or w/a use permit) in commercial or industrial, or other, districts. There is no consensus as to whether utility scale solar developments are commercial or industrial uses, or something else in nature, as possible impacts are not always consistent with traditional commercial or industrial uses. How a locality handles zoning of utility scale solar should be informed by their comprehensive plan policies.
APA is a good source for current information on zoning best practices https://www.planning.org/knowledgebase/solar/
Can you address leakage from solar panels and how it affects small and large projects?
Please see NCSU/ NCCETC white paper “Health and Safety Impacts of Solar Photovoltaics” for research-based information https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu/resource_library/health-and-safety-impacts-of-solar-photovoltaics-pv/
Are there good requirements for 'clean up of sites' when the mechanics are no longer useable? Has there been any studying of the decommissioning aspect of the project upon completion of its useful life?
Please refer to some of the resources listed at https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/vceinservice121919solarfarms/home for information on decomissioning requirements and example practices
SESSION PARTICIPATION & FEEDBACK
SPEAKER BIOS & PDFs OF PRESENTATIONS
John Ignosh, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Engineering, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
John’s extension program focuses on the implementation of best management practices related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and adoption of innovative technologies. Prior to his current role, John conducted air quality research with UC-Davis and served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala. John is a Certified Energy Manager and Distributed Generation Certified Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers, credentialed as a Photovoltaic Associate by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Certified Forester by the Society of American Foresters, and certified DACUM/SCID (Developing a Curriculum/ Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development) by the International Training Center at The Ohio State University. He holds an M.S. in forest resource management with a minor in water resource science from the University of Minnesota and B.S. in forestry with a certificate in international studies from The Ohio State University.
Carrie Hearne, Solar Program Manager, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals & Energy Carrie provides outreach and technical assistance for localities on utility-scale solar siting and local government renewable energy procurement, including serving as SolSmart advisor for regions across Virginia.
Carrie Hearne is the Solar Program Manager in the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME). In this role, Carrie provides outreach and technical assistance for localities on utility-scale solar siting and local government renewable energy procurement, including serving as SolSmart advisor for regions across Virginia. Carrie is project lead on creating DMME's plan of action in response to Governor Northam's Executive Order 43 ("Expanding Access to Clean Energy and Growing the Clean Energy Jobs of the Future"). She also supports the Clean Energy Advisory Board and the affiliated Low to Moderate Income Solar Loan and Rebate Fund. Carrie originates from rural West Virginia and has recently moved back to this region after living in Portland, Oregon, for nearly 16 years. In Portland, Carrie successfully created and ran the first sustainability program at The Standard, a large insurance company, and then served as Climate Solutions' business partnerships manager for Oregon. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Earlham College and an MBA in sustainable systems from Presidio Graduate School. Carrie lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her two big curly dogs Timber and Odi.
Dr. Bill Shobe Bill Shobe, an economist, is a Professor of Public Policy at the University of Virginia and Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Studies. He is a University Sustainability Fellow.
Elizabeth Marshall, Senior Project Coordinator, Virginia Solar Initiative, University of Virginia Elizabeth provides solar policy and technical support to local government officials and agencies across the state. Contact Virginia Solar Initiative via email at emm2t@Virginia.edu Or visit our website to request help: solar.coopercenter.org
Dr. Bill Shobe Bill Shobe, an economist, is a Professor of Public Policy at the University of Virginia and Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Studies. He is a University Sustainability Fellow. His current research includes emission market and auction design, environmental federalism, carbon removal technologies, electricity demand forecasting and deep decarbonization strategies for Virginia. In 2007, he worked on the team that designed the carbon allowance auctions for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and has worked on design and evaluation of the RGGI program, the EU ETS and the California cap and trade program for greenhouse gases. In 2000, Shobe received a Fulbright Fellowship in environmental economics and policy. Before joining UVA in 2004, Shobe worked at the Virginia Department of Planning & Budget (DPB), where he coordinated state expenditure forecasts and the economic analysis of state regulations. While at the DPB, Shobe managed the design and implementation of the innovative Virginia NOx allowance auction. He also developed the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website, the first in the nation web site for managing and publicizing state regulatory development.
Elizabeth Marshall, Senior Project Coordinator, Virginia Solar Initiative, University of Virginia Elizabeth provides solar policy and technical support to local government officials and agencies across the state.
Elizabeth Marshall is the Senior Project Coordinator for the Virginia Solar Initiative at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia and a 2020 SolSmart Advisor for Virginia. In these roles she provides solar policy and technical support to local government officials and agencies across the state. Immediately prior to this appointment she managed projects for UVA’s pan-institutional quality and improvement program, and she has served as an urban planner in both the private and public sectors. Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia, a Specialization in Design Thinking and Innovation from the Darden School of Business, and a Certificate in Change Management from Prosci.
Dr. Ron Meyers, Renewable Energy Facility Siting Project, Research Assistant Professor in the Dept. Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech Ron works as a social scientist, conducting research and practice on how to develop a more sustainable renewable energy system in the U.S., and to promote consensus around renewable energy projects.
Ron Meyers, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and a lecturer in the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech. He has over two decades of academic and professional experience in natural resources and renewable energy development and policy. He was Director of the Center for Natural Resources and the Environment at American University in Kosovo and helped complete the nation’s first wind feasibility study, and lay groundwork for their first wind energy project. He works interdisciplinarily as a social scientist, conducting research and practice on how to develop a more sustainable renewable energy system in the U.S.
THIRD WEBINAR
Webinar Recording
INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
Exploring Agrivoltaic Project Experiences
Thursday, June 18th 2020 9AM
SESSION PARTICIPATION & FEEDBACK
SPEAKER BIOS & PDFs OF PRESENTATIONS
John Ignosh, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Engineering, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
John’s extension program focuses on the implementation of best management practices related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and adoption of innovative technologies. Prior to his current role, John conducted air quality research with UC-Davis and served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala. John is a Certified Energy Manager and Distributed Generation Certified Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers, credentialed as a Photovoltaic Associate by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Certified Forester by the Society of American Foresters, and certified DACUM/SCID (Developing a Curriculum/ Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development) by the International Training Center at The Ohio State University. He holds an M.S. in forest resource management with a minor in water resource science from the University of Minnesota and B.S. in forestry with a certificate in international studies from The Ohio State University.
Maximilian Trommsdorff, Head of Team Agrophotovoltaics, Group PV Power Plants, Division Photovoltaics, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE Freiburg, Germany
Maximilian Trommsdorff, Head of Team Agrophotovoltaics, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. Max oversees project management and acquisition and international industry projects. Prior to this role he worked as a research associate in agrophotovoltaics at the University Freiburg. Max holds an MSc in Economics and Politics, University Freiburg where his master thesis focused on “Agrophotovoltaic: Opportunities, Risks and Strategies Towards a More Efficient Land Use“
Riley Murray, Project Manager - Secure Futures (retired), Adjunct Instructor/Affiliate Faculty ISAT / SIS College of Integrated Science and Engineering, James Madison University
Riley Murray
Riley joined Secure Futures in November 2017 as the Project Manager before his recent retirement. His primary focus was overseeing the various components of all the projects at Secure Futures from start to finish. One of Riley’s major accomplishments while at Secure Futures was the successful implementation of solar sheep at the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, where he worked with local shepherds, hospital staff, land developers, installers to provide a safe environment for the solar sheep. His background includes extensive experience in industrial engineering, technical project management, facilities maintenance, and asset reliability as well as agriculture from his own family farm. He is a Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional. He holds BSIE and MSIE degrees in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, and a Graduate Program Certificate in Applied Statistics, from Penn State University
Secure Futures is a B-Corp solar developer for schools, hospitals, and businesses. While most Secure Futures’ projects are rooftop solar arrays, the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center site developed undesirable land to install Virginia’s largest solar project at a hospital. This site is maintained by solar sheep from local farmers to maintain the site’s vegetation in order to save money, reduce the project’s environmental impact, and strengthen community partnerships
FOURTH WEBINAR
Webinar Recording
INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
Sharing Experiences & Considerations for
Utility-Scale Solar Projects in Virginia
Wednesday, October 14th 2020 10AM
SESSION PARTICIPATION & FEEDBACK
SPEAKER BIOS & PDFs OF PRESENTATIONS
John Ignosh, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Engineering, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
John’s extension program focuses on the implementation of best management practices related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and adoption of innovative technologies. Prior to his current role, John conducted air quality research with UC-Davis and served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala. John is a Certified Energy Manager and Distributed Generation Certified Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers, credentialed as a Photovoltaic Associate by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Certified Forester by the Society of American Foresters, and certified DACUM/SCID (Developing a Curriculum/ Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development) by the International Training Center at The Ohio State University. He holds an M.S. in forest resource management with a minor in water resource science from the University of Minnesota and B.S. in forestry with a certificate in international studies from The Ohio State University.
Heather McAlister, Stormwater Plan Reviewer Senior II, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Topic: Overview and Scope of Permit Review Process. Mrs. McAlister's work involves the review of Stormwater Management and Erosion & Sediment Control Plans for Solar Projects.
Mrs. Heather McAlister has worked for DEQ in the Office of Stormwater Management reviewing Stormwater and Erosion & Sediment Control Plans for the past 5 years. She has been DEQ's main point of contact in the Office of Stormwater Management for solar projects for the past 4 years. Before coming to DEQ she worked as a project manager for a few private civil engineering firms focusing on site development for over 10 years and then for a locality's Stormwater and Erosion & Sediment Control program for a little over a year.
Tim Seldon, P.E. Senior Engineer, Geosyntec Consultants, Richmond, VA Topic: Project-level Site Observations, Challenges and Experiences from the Field. Geosyntec is a consulting and engineering firm that works with private and public sector clients to address emerging industries and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure.
Mr. Seldon joined Geosyntec’s Richmond, Virginia office in November 2018, in the role of Senior Engineer. He has over 15 years of experience as a recognized expert in civil and environmental engineering, providing technical review, client development, and project management for the Power, Solid Waste, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Commercial/Retail, Residential, and Industrial sectors. Mr. Seldon is a strategic manager for key clients and has successfully managed myriad high-profile, fast-paced projects for several national and international corporations.
Since joining Geosyntec, Mr. Seldon has led efforts at several solar facilities, everything from design and permitting and corrective action plans to third party review and Owner’s Engineer services.
Mr. Seldon is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia and North Carolina, as well as a VA-DEQ Certified Program Administrator for ESC and SWM.
Dr. W. Lee Daniels, Professor, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Topic: Virginia Soil and Landscape Challenges and Considerations.
Dr. Daniels’ research focuses on rehabilitation of soil and water quality following disturbance on mining and construction sites, with a focus on remediation of acid sulfate soils and other difficult site conditions.
W. Lee Daniels is the Thomas B. Hutcheson Professor of Environmental Soil Science at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. He received his Ph.D. in Soil Science from VPI & SU in 1985. Dr. Daniels areas of specialization include stabilization and restoration of disturbed lands including areas disturbed by mining, road building, waste disposal, urbanization and erosion. In particular, he has focused his research and consulting experience in mine reclamation, wetland impact mitigation and soil-waste management systems. His teaching programs at Virginia Tech focus on soil geomorphology and landscape analysis with particular emphasis on the relationships among surficial geology, hydrology, soil patterns and long‑term landscape evolution processes. Major awards include the Reclamation Researcher of the Year by the American Society for Surface Mining and Reclamation (ASMR) in 1993, USEPA’s National Biosolids Utilization Research Award in 2000, the Lifetime Achievement in Research Award by ASMR in 2012, and Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America in 2016. Details on his research and outreach programs and publications are available at https://landrehab.org/.
FIFTH WEBINAR
Webinar Recording
INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
Sharing Experiences & Considerations on Utility-scale Solar Projects from Virginia Localities
Thursday, December 17th 2020 10AM
SESSION PARTICIPATION & FEEDBACK
SPEAKER BIOS & PDFs OF PRESENTATIONS
John Ignosh, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Engineering, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
John’s extension program focuses on the implementation of best management practices related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and adoption of innovative technologies. Prior to his current role, John conducted air quality research with UC-Davis and served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala. John is a Certified Energy Manager and Distributed Generation Certified Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers, credentialed as a Photovoltaic Associate by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Certified Forester by the Society of American Foresters, and certified DACUM/SCID (Developing a Curriculum/ Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development) by the International Training Center at The Ohio State University. He holds an M.S. in forest resource management with a minor in water resource science from the University of Minnesota and B.S. in forestry with a certificate in international studies from The Ohio State University.
Mr. Richard Street, Street Development Solutions, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Mr. Richard Street, of Street Development Solutions, assists local governments with ordinance and code revisions to stay up with the changing codes. He has over 40 years of experience in the civil engineering field, specializing in drainage, stormwater management, erosion & sediment control, and shoreline restoration. He has worked for various localities and private sector engineers, including: as VDOT District Drainage engineer, and Spotsylvania County Deputy Director of Environmental Code and Environmental Engineer. He performs workshops about low impact development (LID) for various state and federal agencies, to assist developers and designers with better LID designs, including internationally in Guatemala and South Korea. He served as former member and Chairman of the VA Soil and Water Conservation Board, and former citizen appointed member, of the State Water Commission
Ms. Denise Nelson, Environmental Engineer, The Berkley Group , LLC Bridgewater, Virginia
Mr. Darren Coffey, Co-founder & Principal, The Berkley Group, LLC Bridgewater, Virginia
Ms. Denise Nelson: Denise Nelson is an environmental engineer at The Berkley Group. She has global experience in water, wastewater, and stormwater systems and sustainable infrastructure development. She has a civil engineering degree from Virginia Tech and an environmental engineering Master of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati.
Mr. Darren Coffey: Darren Coffey is a co-founder and principal at The Berkley Group, a planning consulting firm based in Virginia and serving local governments around the country. Darren's experience provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in local government from administration, planning and budgeting, to economic development, transportation, parks & recreation, among others. He earned a Masters degree in geography from Rutgers University and geography and economics degrees from James Madison University. He received his AICP in 2000.
Mr. Joe Lerch, Director of Local Government Policy, Virginia Association of Counties, Richmond, Virginia
Mr. Joe Lerch serves as Director of Local Government Policy for VACo. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in geology from William and Mary and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Virginia Tech. Mr. Lerch has worked as a planner for the Cities of Fairfax and Richmond, and Spotsylvania County. He also served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Fredericksburg. His various professional memberships include the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association, The Virginia Rural Planning Caucus and National Association of Counties. Previously, he served as the director of environmental policy for the Virginia Municipal League and was the Secretary/Treasurer for the Virginia Energy Purchasing Governmental Association (VEPGA).
Mr. Tom Swartzwelder, County Administrator & County Attorney, King and Queen County, King & Queen Court House, Virginia
Mr. Tom Swartzwelder has served 13 years as King and Queen County Administrator and Attorney, and also serves as: Chair Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, Chair Middle Peninsula Regional Jail, and Chair Middle Peninsula Regional Airport. Mr. Swartzwelder has participated on various DEQ workgroups, participated in drafting and lobbying for Stormwater Legislation for Rural Coastal Virginia, and drafted the original and co-wrote the final version of HB 1675 (Solar Siting Agreement). His undergraduate is from Hampden Sydney College, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. He practiced law in Georgia and Virginia with a focus on land use and civil litigation.
Please note: this presentation was audio only, and is available in the above session recording link
Ms. Elizabeth Marshall, Senior Project Coordinator, Virginia Solar Initiative, Energy Transition Initiative, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia
Ms. Elizabeth Marshall serves as Senior Project Coordinator for the Virginia Solar Initiative, Energy Transition Initiative, at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia and a 2020 SolSmart Advisor for Virginia. In these roles she provides solar policy and technical support to local government officials and agencies across the state. Immediately prior to this appointment she managed projects for UVA’s pan-institutional quality and improvement program, and she has served as an urban planner in both the private and public sectors. Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia, a Specialization in Design Thinking and Innovation from the Darden School of Business, and a Certificate in Change Management from Prosci.
SIXTH WEBINAR
Webinar Recording
INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
Grid Interconnection, Siting & Utility-scale Solar Projects in Virginia
Thursday, April 22nd 2021 10AM
SESSION PARTICIPATION & FEEDBACK
SPEAKER BIOS & PDFs OF PRESENTATIONS
John Ignosh, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Engineering, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
John’s extension program focuses on the implementation of best management practices related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and adoption of innovative technologies. Prior to his current role, John conducted air quality research with UC-Davis and served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala. John is a Certified Energy Manager and Distributed Generation Certified Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers, credentialed as a Photovoltaic Associate by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Certified Forester by the Society of American Foresters, and certified DACUM/SCID (Developing a Curriculum/ Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development) by the International Training Center at The Ohio State University. He holds an M.S. in forest resource management with a minor in water resource science from the University of Minnesota and B.S. in forestry with a certificate in international studies from The Ohio State University.
Mr. Burnsed leads Distributed Solutions market strategy and new market development efforts for EDF Renewables. During this presentation he will share interconnect considerations from the project developer’s perspective
Mr. Pezalla is the Director of Transmission Services and oversees the planning, construction and operations of ODEC’s transmission system, the 250+ transmission delivery points to 11-member owner Cooperatives and provides technical guidance on new generator interconnections and processes.
SEVENTH WEBINAR
Webinar Recording
INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
Dual-Use Solar Project Experiences from North Carolina and Massachussets
Thursday, March 24th 2022 11AM
SESSION PARTICIPATION & FEEDBACK
SPEAKER BIOS & PDFs OF PRESENTATIONS
John Ignosh, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Engineering, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
John’s extension program focuses on the implementation of best management practices related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and adoption of innovative technologies. Prior to his current role, John conducted air quality research with UC-Davis and served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala. John is a Certified Energy Manager and Distributed Generation Certified Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers, credentialed as a Photovoltaic Associate by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Certified Forester by the Society of American Foresters, and certified DACUM/SCID (Developing a Curriculum/ Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development) by the International Training Center at The Ohio State University. He holds an M.S. in forest resource management with a minor in water resource science from the University of Minnesota and B.S. in forestry with a certificate in international studies from The Ohio State University.
Johnny Rogers, Extension Associate, Animal Science, North Carolina State University
Amazing Grazing Program Coordinator
Johnny R. Rogers, Owner Rogers Cattle Company LLC; Coordinator, North Carolina State University Amazing Grazing Program. Johnny and his wife Sharon own Rogers Cattle Company LLC (RCC) in Roxboro, NC. Currently, RCC raises Red Angus cattle, Katahdin Hair Sheep and forest finished pork. RCC markets cattle and hair sheep as well as pasture raised beef, pork and lamb from the farm and at farmer’s markets. Adaptive grazing techniques are used to optimize livestock performance and forage utilization while improving soil health. In March 2015, Johnny accepted the opportunity to work with the NCSU Amazing Grazing Program. This has allowed Johnny to combine his passion for pasture based livestock systems and for education. He spends time working with other farmers as they improve their farm resources. Johnny holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and a Master’s Degree in Nutrition from North Carolina State University. He serves on the board of directors of the NC Forage and Grasslands Council, NC Cattleman’s Association and the Red Angus Association of America. He has been recognized as the 2010 North Carolina Environmental Stewardship Award recipient, 2009 Roxboro Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer, 2011 Soil and Water Conservation Society Conversation Steward and the 2013 NC Choices Farmer of the Year
River Strong, Associate Director, University of Massachusetts, Clean Energy Extension
Dr. Dwayne Breger, Director, University of Massachusetts, Clean Energy Extension
River Strong, Associate Director, University of Massachusetts Clean Energy Extension – River brings more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate change, and sustainability consulting fields to the UMass Clean Energy Extension. He coordinates CEE’s research and outreach activities, and engages with commercial and industrial clean energy users, technology providers, state agencies, NGOs, and UMass staff, faculty, and students to help advance the market for renewable energy and energy efficiency across the Commonwealth. Before coming to UMass, he served as founder and president of Spring Hill Solutions, LLC, a clean energy and carbon management consulting firm based in Burlington, Vermont. River holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University and an MFA in creative writing from University of Arizona.
Dr. Dwayne Breger, Director. Dwayne was hired as the Director of the UMass Clean Energy Extension in 2015. Dwayne comes to UMass after 13 years as the Director of the Renewable Energy Division at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). At DOER, he was responsible for the state Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), the development of the RPS solar carve-out and solar loan program, the advance of biomass energy policy, and served on the staff working group that designed the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Prior to DOER, he was an Assistant Professor in engineering at Lafayette College. Dwayne returns to the UMass campus where he received his Ph.D. in Resource Economics and served as a Senior Research Associate in Mechanical Engineering between 1988 and 1994. Dwayne received his B.S. degree in engineering from Swarthmore College, and an M.S. in technology and policy from MIT. At UMass, Dwayne also holds an Extension Professor position in the Department of Environmental Conservation.
EIGHTH WEBINAR
Webinar Recording
INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
Large-scale Solar Projects and Land-Use Planning:
Sharing Research on Experiences from Other States & An Update from Virginia
Sharing Research on Experiences from Other States & An Update from Virginia
Wednesday, May 25th 2022 10AM
SESSION PARTICIPATION & FEEDBACK
SPEAKER BIOS & PDF OF PRESENTATION
John Ignosh, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Engineering, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
John’s extension program focuses on the implementation of best management practices related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and adoption of innovative technologies. Prior to his current role, John conducted air quality research with UC-Davis and served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala. John is a Certified Energy Manager and Distributed Generation Certified Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers, credentialed as a Photovoltaic Associate by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Certified Forester by the Society of American Foresters, and certified DACUM/SCID (Developing a Curriculum/ Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development) by the International Training Center at The Ohio State University. He holds an M.S. in forest resource management with a minor in water resource science from the University of Minnesota and B.S. in forestry with a certificate in international studies from The Ohio State University.
Jesse Richardson, Professor of Law, Lead Land Use Attorney, West Virginia University College of Law
Before coming to WVU, Richardson was an Associate Professor in Urban Affairs and Planning at Virginia Tech, teaching land use law, environmental law, urban growth management and real estate. His research and experience focus on land use law and water law. Prior to his academic endeavors, Richardson was in private practice in his hometown of Winchester, Virginia, first with a large law firm, then as a solo practitioner. He has served on the Boards of Directors of the American Agricultural Law Association, the Universities Council on Water Resources, and the National Cave and Karst Research Institute. He also previously served on the Virginia Farmland Protection Task Force and the Virginia Water Policy Technical Advisory Committee. He has worked with communities in West Virginia and Virginia on land use planning issues, including issues related to karst and water resources.
Whitney Morgan, Esq.
Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic
West Virginia University College of Law
A WVU College of Law alum, has been with the Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic since 2015. In this role, she has focused on the development of a comprehensive zoning ordinance template designed specifically for rural West Virginia communities, with major contributions centering on the intersection of zoning with the U.S. Constitution.
Jennifer Friedel, Esq.
Asst. Prof. of Practice, Director, Virginia Land-Use Value Assessment Program,
Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech
In addition to teaching agriculture law and environmental law courses, Jennifer serves as the Director of Virginia’s Land Use-Value Assessment Program which provides estimates of the use valuation for agricultural and horticultural land within the Commonwealth. As an Assistant Professor of Practice, she also remains active in the practice of law particularly in natural resources and environmental law, contracts and agricultural law.
NINTH WEBINAR
Webinar Recording
INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
Solar Land-Lease Considerations
Thursday, June 9th 2022 10AM
SESSION PARTICIPATION & FEEDBACK
John Ignosh, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Engineering, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
John’s extension program focuses on the implementation of best management practices related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and adoption of innovative technologies. Prior to his current role, John conducted air quality research with UC-Davis and served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala. John is a Certified Energy Manager and Distributed Generation Certified Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers, credentialed as a Photovoltaic Associate by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Certified Forester by the Society of American Foresters, and certified DACUM/SCID (Developing a Curriculum/ Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development) by the International Training Center at The Ohio State University. He holds an M.S. in forest resource management with a minor in water resource science from the University of Minnesota and B.S. in forestry with a certificate in international studies from The Ohio State University.
Peggy Hall, Esq.
Assoc. Professor
Director,
Agricultural and Resource Law Program,
The Ohio State University
Peggy Kirk Hall is an associate professor and field specialist in agricultural and resource law. Hall is a graduate of The Ohio State University (B.S., M.S., Natural Resource Policy) and the University of Wyoming College of Law (J.D.), where she served on the Land & Water Law Review. She is a Past President and Board Member of the American Agricultural Law Association (AALA); Past Chair of the Ohio State Bar Association Agricultural Law Committee and served as an Advisory Board Member for the National Agricultural Law Center. Hall has received the AALA's Distinguished Service Award (2018) and Excellence in Agricultural Law Award (2016), and in 2018 received Ohio's Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. Hall currently teaches Agribusiness Law, in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University and directs research and outreach projects for OSU's Agricultural & Resource Law Program.
Jennifer Friedel, Esq.
Asst. Prof. of Practice, Director, Virginia Land-Use Value Assessment Program,
Dept. of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech
In addition to teaching agriculture law and environmental law courses, Jennifer serves as the Director of Virginia’s Land Use-Value Assessment Program which provides estimates of the use valuation for agricultural and horticultural land within the Commonwealth. As an Assistant Professor of Practice, she also remains active in the practice of law particularly in natural resources and environmental law, contracts and agricultural law.
Resources Referenced in Presentations:
- Farmland Owner’s Guide to Solar Leasing:
https://nationalaglawcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/assets/articles/hall_solar_Leasing.pdf
INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES
LINKS TO RELATED RESOURCES
Virginia-based Programs Related to Utility-Scale Solar Farms
University of Virginia:
Virginia Solar Initiative: solar.coopercenter.org
Energy Transition Initiative: https://energytransition.coopercenter.org/resources
"Large-Scale Solar Development Playbook for Southwest Virginia"
https://energytransition.coopercenter.org/large-scale-solar-development-playbook-southwest-virginiaThe Virginia SolTax Model: https://solar-tax-webapp.herokuapp.com/
Virginia Tech: Renewable Energy Facility Siting Project: https://refsp.caus.vt.edu/?page_id=19
Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (VA-DMME): https://dmme.virginia.gov/de/solsmart.shtml
SEIA Major Projects: https://www.seia.org/sites/default/files/maps/mpl_updated.html
Solar Native Planter Finder http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/solar-site-native-plants-finder
Virginia Solar Site Pollinator-Smart https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/pollinator-smart
Invasives: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/invsppdflist
Native alternatives as identified in the DCR/DEQ April 2017 https://www.deq.virginia.gov/Portals/0/DEQ/Water/Publications/NativeInvasiveFAQ.pdf
Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics: http://youtu.be/73wZPcz9c70
Farmland Owner's Guide to Solar Leasing, National Agricultural Law Center: https://nationalaglawcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/assets/articles/hall_solar_Leasing.pdf
Understanding Solar Energy Agreements, National Agricultural Law Center: https://nationalaglawcenter.org/wp-content/uploads//assets/articles/ferrell-solar.pdf
Landowner Leasing for Utility Scale Solar Farms, Penn State University Extension: https://extension.psu.edu/landowner-leasing-for-utility-scale-solar-farms
NCSU Solar Resources:
Solar PV Systems: https://youtu.be/0k57Di3Cm3o
Evaluating Solar Lease Proposals: https://youtu.be/q6w2Z-LrD2I
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/landowner-solar-leasing-contract-terms-explained (See top right box for other related publications from series).
More at: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/search_results?q=solar.
Balancing Agricultural Productivity With Ground-Based Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Development https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/balancing-agricultural-productivity-with-ground-based-solar-photovoltaic-pv-development
Health and Safety Impacts of Solar Photovoltaics By Tommy Cleveland May 2017 https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Health-and-Safety-Impacts-of-Solar-Photovoltaics-PV.pdf
List of additional resources:https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/solar-energy-resources-for-local-government-and-citizens-in-north-carolina
Questions & Answers Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/rn/solar-pv-guide.pdf
SolUnesco - Review of Counties Solar Decommissioning Requirements in Virginia: https://www.solunesco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/VA-County-Decommissioning-Requirements-5.0.pdf
Code of Virginia - Bonding provisions for decommissioning of solar energy equipment, facilities, or devices.: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title15.2/chapter22/section15.2-2241.2/
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VA-DGIF) Solar Energy Facility Guidance: https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/media/Solar-Energy-Facility-Guidance.pdf
Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants In partnership with A Project Developer’s Guide, International Finance Corporation (IFC): https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/a1b3dbd3-983e-4ee3-a67b-cdc29ef900cb/IFC+Solar+Report_Web+_08+05.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=kZePDPG
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VA-DEQ) Information on Stormwater Management Plans and Erosion Control Plans for Solar Projects, email Heather McAlister (email Heather.McAlister@deq.virginia.gov)
American Solar Grazing Association: https://solargrazing.org/
Agrophotovoltaic: Opportunities, Risks and Strategies Towards a More Efficient Land Use: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/150976/1/879248831.pdf
Agrophotovoltaics Resource-Efficient Land Use: https://www.agrophotovoltaik.de/english/agrophotovoltaics/
Native Vegetation Performance under a Solar PV Array at the National Wind Technology Center (NREL): https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy17osti/66218.pdf
Dual use of land for PV farms and agriculture literature review: https://www.appropedia.org/Dual_use_of_land_for_PV_farms_and_agriculture_literature_review
Mecklenberg County, Virginia "Solar Facility Impacts Analysis An Examination of Land Use Impacts " (2017) The Berkley Group, LLC
American Planning Association, "Planning for Utility-Scale Solar Energy Facilities" (2019) PAS Memo (D. Coffey, The Berkley Group, LLC)
NOTE: APA Webinar "Planning for Utility-Scale Solar Energy Facilities": Solar photovoltaics (PV) are the fastest-growing energy source in the world due to the decreasing cost per kilowatt-hour—60 percent to date since 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Energy—and the comparative speed in constructing a facility. Utility-scale solar installations are the most cost-effective solar PV option. LIVE Session Registration (10/26/20) LINK; Recording will be posted at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrer-HWpjrwZ9ROKVc8HtA
Soil and Landscape Rehabilitation Website, Dr. Lee Daniel's (Virginia Tech) Website https://landrehab.org/.
Virginia Association of Counties (VACO):
Utility-Scale Solar Seminar July 28, 2019 Archived Resources: https://www.vaco.org/utility-scale-solar-seminar/
Utility-Scale Solar Webinar June 5, 2020 Archived Resources: https://www.vaco.org/vaco-utility-scale-solar-2020-legislative-summary-webinar/
HB 1675 – Host Locality Site Agreement in Qualified Opportunity Zones Mapping: http://vedp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3e058276ef7e45da99a042d5baddb83c
SolSmart: https://solsmart.org/
SOLSMART ISSUE BRIEF: LAND USE CONSIDERATIONS FOR LARGE-SCALE SOLAR: https://solsmart.org/wp-content/uploads/Solar-Land-Use_12072020.pdf
SOLSMART WEBINAR: PLANNING & ZONING BEST PRACTICES FOR LARGE-SCALE SOLAR: https://solsmart.org/wp-content/uploads/Solar-Land-Use_03122021.pdf
SOLSMART: Additional links to many other municipal references/examples in https://solsmart.org/wp-content/uploads/SolSmart-Guide-2019.pdf
EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute): Solar PV Module End-of-Life: Options and Knowledge Gaps for Utility-Scale Plants: https://www.epri.com/research/products/3002014407
US Department of Energy InSPIRE Project (Innovative Site Preparation and Impact Reductions on the Environment): The InSPIRE project seeks to improve the environmental compatibility and mutual benefits of solar development with agriculture and native landscapes. https://openei.org/wiki/InSPIRE
US Department of Energy RAPID (Regulatory and Permitting Information Desktop Toolkit ): https://openei.org/wiki/RAPID
Virginia's Legislative Information System: Special Exceptions for Solar Photovoltaic Projects, Chapter 385 Section numbered 15.2-2288.8 :
https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+ful+CHAP0385