Appalachian Power announces its first photovoltaic solar generation project
Appalachian Power, a utility subsidiary of American Electric Power, announced Tuesday that its first photovoltaic solar generation project will be built in Rustburg, Virginia.
Coronal Energy will build and operate the 15-megawatt (MW) Depot Solar. Appalachian Power will purchase the output of the project in accordance with a 20-year Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement (REPA).
“Appalachian Power is excited to announce the Depot Solar Center as we move forward with the diversification of our generation portfolio,” Appalachian Power President and CEO Chris Beam said. “We are pleased that the facility will be built and operated within our service area and provide other benefits that new construction will bring to surrounding communities.”
Coronal Energy will build the Depot Solar Center on approximately 102 acres of privately owned land in Rustburg.
Appalachian Power first issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the project in January 2017. The utility received and assessed 37 proposals involving 23 specific solar projects.
“Coronal has earned a reputation for helping the country’s leading utilities build the cleaner and more resilient electric grid of the future,” Danny Van Clief, Coronal Energy’s CEO, said. “It’s important work that we take very seriously. To partner with Appalachian Power on their first major solar project in our home state of Virginia is something we are very proud of.”
Appalachian Power expects the new facility to be operational by September 2019.
