Dominion Energy, the University of Virginia and its Darden School of Business have entered into an innovative solar power partnership. Under the agreement, the University and Darden will purchase the entire output of electricity produced at a new, 160-acre solar facility in King William County for the next 25 years.
The UVA Hollyfield Solar project is capable of producing an estimated 17-megawatts of alternating current, a figure representing about 12 percent of the University’s electric demand. The Darden School, as a participant in the partnership, will assume responsibility for about 25 percent of the electricity production, which will enable the school to achieve its long-term zero-carbon goal.
Dominion Energy acquired the Hollyfield Solar Project as a development asset. The facility features approximately 65,000 solar panels, enough to power about 4,250 homes at peak output. The facility entered operations in September 2018.
Dominion Energy also acquired the UVA Puller Solar Facility as a development asset. The facility features approximately 58,800 solar panels and is capable of producing an estimated 15-megawatts of alternating current, which is equivalent to about 9 percent of the University's electric demand or enough to power about 3,750 homes at peak output. The facility became operational in October 2018.
Under a 25-year agreement, the University will purchase the entire output of the 120-acre solar facility located in Middlesex County.
In total, the two sites will produce 32 megawatts of solar energy and will offset about 21 percent of the University's electric demand.
