Published 4:30 pm Tuesday, May 5, 2026
By Jeff Moore
The Prince Edward County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a proposed shared solar project, but not before a resident raised concerns about traffic, property values and environmental impacts during a public hearing.
The commission voted unanimously to recommend a special use permit for the Prince Edward Solar 2 LLC project, a 3.8-megawatt facility planned for property owned by Andrew Elder. The recommendation now moves to the county board of supervisors for final consideration.
The project would be the developer Jesse Dimond’s second in the county and part of a growing number of small-scale solar installations in the area. Dimond is senior project developer with New Energy Equity.
“This is my second project in Prince Edward County,” Dimond told the commission. “We’ve done over 500 megawatts of projects. We’ve invested over $600 million during those projects.”
The proposed facility would operate as a “shared solar” site — a model that allows residents to subscribe and receive reduced electricity costs. The developer said participants typically see about 10% savings.
“It’s just savings,” Dimond said. “I don’t have to subscribe to it in the sense that there isn’t, like, a monthly fee that I pay.”
SITE DESIGN AND OPERATIONS
The project would use solar arrays that track the sun, rotating throughout the day to maximize energy production. The developer said the site’s natural features — including tree lines and topography — would help limit visibility.
“This is a great location,” Dimond said, noting that “we don’t expect any view shed from any neighbors or passerby.”
He also emphasized that the project would have minimal long-term impact on the land, with plans for eventual restoration.
“At the end of this, after the soil has had its time to regenerate … it can go right back into farming,” Dimond said.
Noise and environmental concerns, often raised with solar projects, were also addressed.
“It’s not gonna bother other people,” he said. “You’re going to get dissipated within 100 feet to a noise level that is probably quieter than I speak.”
On environmental safety, Dimond said solar panels pose little risk even if damaged.
“They don’t leak,” he later reiterated during the meeting, comparing panels to “a computer chip.”
RESIDENT’S CONCERNS
Only one resident spoke during the public hearing, but his concerns were wide-ranging.
“I don’t want the solar form,” said Craig Moore, whose home is adjacent to the proposed site.
Moore said visibility would remain an issue despite planned buffers. “The solar panels light up like their mirrors,” he said. “So I see it any how.”
He also expressed concern about declining property values and potential environmental risks.
“If one of those panels gets broken and it spills, that’s a hazardous spill,” he said.
Moore pointed to existing issues with traffic related to a nearby solar project, describing frequent delivery trucks mistakenly entering his property.
“I get traffic, tractor trailers that come down my drive, turn around on my front lawn and go back out,” he said.
He recounted one incident in which a truck damaged his wife’s car and others involving drivers unloading materials in his yard.
“I don’t want to put up with this again,” Moore said. “It’s farm land. Let it be farmland.”
APPLICANT, STAFF RESPONSE
Dimond acknowledged the concerns and said he would work to address them, particularly regarding traffic and signage.
“I genuinely hear you,” he said, adding he would contact other project operators to improve directions for delivery drivers.
County staff also noted they had not received formal reports of incidents but said they would follow up.
“We’ll do a site visit and have a discussion with the general contractor on the other project,” Director of Planning and Community Development Robert Love said.
CONDITIONS ADDED
In response to concerns, the commission discussed and added several conditions to the project recommendation, including:
• Enhanced signage to direct construction traffic
• Defined delivery hours, generally during business hours
• Designated laydown and turnaround areas for trucks
• Expanded setbacks and buffers, including up to 150 feet on some sides
• Additional guidance on vegetation to improve screening
• The developer agreed to the conditions.
“Absolutely, yes,” Dimond said when asked if he would accept them.
He also agreed to additional provisions, including clearer site markings and potential limits on after-hours activity.
Commission members also discussed evolving standards for solar projects, including stricter soil testing requirements and more frequent reviews of decommissioning costs.
LOOKING AHEAD
Property owner Andrew Elder told the commission the project is part of long-term planning for his family.
“Basically, I’m just looking into the future,” he said. “My family, kids, insurances, taxes.”
Despite opposition from at least one neighbor, the commission ultimately supported the project with added safeguards.
The board of supervisors will hold its own public hearing during its meeting at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 12 before making a final decision.

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