Rockbridge
A uniform definition of agrivoltaics as the term relates to small renewable energy projects is to be added to Rockbridge County code, in compliance with legislation that was adopted by the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor this year.
The Planning Commission is to hold a public hearing Aug. 12 to consider recommending that the definition be added to the county code. Agrivoltaics is to be defined as follows: “The intentional co-location of agricultural production and solar energy generation on the same land that (i) is designed to prioritize and sustain agricultural productivity while simultaneously integrating renewable energy generation, (ii) allows the ongoing production and sale of marketable agricultural products throughout the solar array’s life, (iii) is a part of a farm business that is consistent with commercial agricultural production, (iv) has provisions for decommissioning to protect the land’s agricultural resources and productivity, (v) does not significantly displace farming activity, and (vi) ensures flexibility for farmers to adapt to market conditions and support operational needs.”
