A recently approved 150-MW solar project will produce enough energy to power nearly all of a Virginia county. Tobacco Trail Solar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Strata Clean Energy, will be located just north of Patrick Henry Highway and east of Farmville Road in Prince Edward County.
Over the 30-year lifetime of the project, Tobacco Trail Solar is expected to meet 68 to 93% of Prince Edward County’s annual electric needs and will generate $35,675,900 in total economic impact. Local and statewide renewable energy advocates emphasized that the project reflects growing demand for reliable, locally generated energy as electricity needs continue to rise across Virginia.
“The Tobacco Trail Solar project will help to diversify our energy supply and improve reliability, all while delivering long-term economic benefits to the community. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking action needed to meet today’s energy challenges,” saidSeth Cogbill, community engagement representative, Energy Right.
Supporters also highlighted the project’s role in balancing economic development with land stewardship and long-term planning.
“Solar has been a game-changer for Virginia farms and small agribusinesses like mine, creating new revenue opportunities while supporting pollinator habitat and land stewardship,” said Allison Wickham of Siller Pollinator Company. “I was impressed by Tobacco Trail’s strong environmental design and the fact that it can power roughly 70% of the county. Approving it was the right call.”
According to the Virginia Solar Database from the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, localities have approved 2.022 GW of solar so far in 2025, compared to 711 MW rejected.
News item from Tobacco Trail Solar
