NORFOLK, Virginia — Old Dominion University will soon play host to the state's largest utility's first rooftop solar power installation.
Dominion Virginia Power says it will install more than 600 solar panels on the roof of the Norfolk school's student recreation center as part of its Solar Partnership Program.
The Richmond-based energy provider said Thursday that the project at Old Dominion will generate 132 kilowatts for the electric grid, or enough to power 35 homes. The project is expected to be completed late this summer.
In a news release, ODU President John Broderick said the university is a perfect fit for the project because it is a hub of alternative energy research.
Virginia regulators recently approved Dominion Virginia Power's program to build and operate up to 30 megawatts of company-owned solar facilities on leased rooftops or on the grounds of commercial businesses and public properties in its service area. When fully implemented, the program would generate enough power for 7,500 homes.
Dominion says the program is already encouraging the growth of solar energy in Virginia as many other customers have shown interest in the program.
The company has about 2.3 million customers in Virginia.
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