Caledon Solar will generate clean, quiet power while bringing economic and community benefits to King George County immediately and for the long term.
The 22-megawatt solar project will occupy 120 acres and interconnect to an existing Dominion distribution line. Located east of both Caledon State Park and the Chotank Creek Natural Area Preserve and situated south of the Potomac River, Caledon Solar aspires to be one of the most environmentally-responsible energy projects in the Commonwealth and a blueprint for ecologically-minded solar.
Local Benefits
Supporting King George County
County energy demands are increasing, and solar is the most cost-effective form of new power generation. In addition, Caledon Solar will deliver a range of economic and environmental benefits.
These include tax revenue to the county with no burden on county infrastructure or services, with $200,000 in state and local tax revenue during construction, a minimum $550,000 upfront payment upon commencement of operation, and $3.2 million in cumulative county revenue—a 142-fold increase over revenue from current use of the land.
Caledon Solar also helps preserve the area’s rural character, operating quietly with no lighting and little to no traffic.
22 MW
will create energy to be consumed in King George County. Project will produce enough power for 5,000 homes
120 acres
within a 1,400-acre site
$3,000,000+
in tax revenue for King George County over the project’s lifetime
Features
native pollinator habitat designed to DCR specs, meets DWR solar guidance standards, enhanced buffers from RPA, wildlife corridor through the center of the site
Interactive Map
Explore the project site and preliminary solar array layout
Permitting Progression
Project is evaluated at local, state, and federal levels
STEP 1
State Permitting “Permit by Rule”
VA Department of Environmental Quality, VA Department of Conservation, VA Department of Historic Resources, VA Department of Wildlife Resources
State Wildlife and Cultural Impact Review and permitting
Mitigation and Operation plan development and approval
STEP 2a
State/Federal Stream Crossing Permit
US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of Historic Resources
Federal Wildlife and Cultural Impact review and permitting
STEP 2b
Local/State Construction Permitting
King George County, VA Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Department of Transportation
Stormwater and Erosion/Sediment Control Review/Approval
Electrical Permit
Construction Permit
VDOT access permit
Site Plan Review/Approval
STEP 3
Local Use Permitting
King George County, Virginia Department of Transportation
Initial VDOT Review
Initial Cultural/Historical and Wildlife impact screening
Local determination of applicability with County Ordinance
Comprehensive Plan through public process
Produce energy within a zone already designated for energy production
Generate revenue and community benefits in King George County
Increase resiliency of local distribution grid
Put downward pressure on electricity prices
Connect to existing distribution power lines, and not require construction of a new substation or other high-voltage infrastructure
Project will re-establish more vegetation than is removed
Project will re-establish RPA buffers, manage invasive species, and incorporate native pollinators, improving stormwater quality and decreasing sediment loads offsite.
Caledon Solar
Will:
Caledon Solar
Will Not:
Have a negative influence on property values or scenery
Be a mega solar farm
Affect any sensitive resources at Caledon State Park
Act as a drain on County resources
Current progress and upcoming timeline
Project Details & Status
INITIAL STUDIES COMPLETED
Environmental Impact Assessment
Wildlife/T&E Screening
Cultural/Historical Screening
Economic/Community Impact study
Real Estate Impact Study
Stream, Wetland, RPA delineation
Pollinator Feasibility Study
Traffic Evaluation
Preliminary Decommissioning Plan
Preliminary Site Plan
Preliminary Stormwater Management Plan
Preliminary Landscaping and Screening Plan
FOLLOW UP STUDIES UNDERWAY
Boundary Survey
Topographic Survey
Geotechnical Survey
Avian/Wildlife field Survey
Phase 1 Cultural Resource Field Study
Final Site Plan
Final Landscaping and Screening Plan
Final Stormwater Management Plan
Final Decommissioning Plan
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS / DEVELOPMENT
Seeking Local Use Permit approval from King George County
CONSTRUCTION
Estimated 8–10-month duration
Construction Traffic Management Plan will be established
OPERATION
Minimal impact (no offsite noise, emissions, or lighting)
Very limited traffic (average 1–2 trips per month; less than single-family home)
Facility monitored remotely 24/7
Stormwater features, groundcover and vegetation, and wildlife corridors to be maintained for the life of the project
Community Engagement
Stay informed & add your voice
Sign up to stay informed
Our Virginia-based team seeks to ensure Caledon Solar will deliver positive outcomes that are meaningful and connected to local needs. As our community engagement work continues, there are opportunities for you to attend community meetings, site visits, and celebrations. Please email us to connect directly and add your contact information to stay informed about the project. We want to hear from you.
Contact us
Bobby Jocz
Associate Director of Project Development
bobby.jocz@suntribedevelopment.com
Seth Herman
Director of Community
seth.herman@suntribedevelopment.com
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about solar
Where is the energy going?
Utility customers, both residential and commercial, will consume the energy generated by the array. The power is going directly to an existing Dominion distribution line. Solar energy is one of the most cost-effective new energy sources.
Are solar panels safe?
Solar panels are safe and do not pose a health or safety risk. The technology is also being used atop public schools in Virginia and on homes and public buildings across the country.
What happens to the land at the end of the solar project’s life?
At the end of the project's lifetime, decommissioning occurs. This includes removing the solar system. After the equipment is removed from the site, restoration of the site formerly occupied by the array occurs. A decommissioning bond will be implemented to ensure funding for decommissioning is available under any circumstance, meaning decommissioning is paid for up-front by the project so costs will never fall to the landowner or County.
About Us
Sun Tribe Development
We are a Virginia company that partners with local communities to capture the economic benefits of solar power generation and energy storage.
We invest in workforce development, local initiatives and priorities, and develop in communities that are eager to participate in the new energy economy. All of our projects seek to align with the community’s long-range planning and overall vision for the future.