Old Valley Solar Ranch is a 5 MW community solar project developed by ESA on approximately 35 acres in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Sited on a former landfill, the project puts land that is unsuitable for agriculture to productive use by generating affordable, reliable electricity for the local community. The project will participate in Dominion Energy’s Shared Solar Program, allowing residents and small businesses to subscribe without installing equipment on their property. At least 50 percent of the project’s capacity is reserved for low- to moderate-income households, with subscribers expected to see 10 to 20 percent savings on their monthly electricity bills.
Community engagement has been central to the project’s development. ESA invited nearby residents to walk the site, hosted a balloon test to demonstrate the maximum height of the solar panels, and incorporated community feedback into the final layout and buffering plan. As part of its commitment to being a long-term community partner, ESA has already contributed $4,000 to local organizations through early community support efforts, with additional funding planned over the life of the project.
The project uses single-axis tracking technology and includes native, pollinator-friendly ground cover and vegetative buffers to limit visual impacts and protect surrounding natural features. Old Valley Solar Ranch represents a long-term private investment in Shenandoah County, generating local tax revenue, supporting landowner income, and aligning with the county’s Comprehensive Plan and solar energy policies.
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