Planning Commission recommends Synergy Power’s solar-plus-storage CUP to supervisors

The Planning Commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Supervisors for Synergy Power’s conditional‑use permit for a 20‑megawatt solar facility paired with battery energy storage. Kevin Osborne of Synergy Power presented revised permit language addressing decommissioning, bonding indexed to inflation and compliance with county and Dominion spacing and fire standards.

Osborne told the commission that the battery containers follow Dominion spacing requirements and exceed NFPA 855 space requirements: “We are following Dominion's spacing requirements that are 25 feet between the containers.” He also cited recent UL testing of cells and modules conducted in August 2025 and said emergency responders will get annual training and coordination: "We are coordinating with the emergency management coordinator, Justin Herman, to have continued training for battery storage projects." Commissioners asked about fire inspections, Knox box access and ongoing vegetation or maintenance oversight; staff confirmed county inspection and permitting steps. The commission’s favorable recommendation was unanimous and will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final action.