‘Postage stamp’ solar facility approved in Northampton
Published 2:54 pm Friday, February 10, 2023 ; By Holly Taylor
Northampton County approved a small-scale “postage stamp” solar facility near Pendleton, NC, designed to coexist with ongoing agricultural use and support local energy resilience.
The project, covering just 2.6 acres of a 65-acre parcel, was approved by the Northampton County Board of Commissioners in February 2023. Ajulo Othow, representing the developer, emphasized that the facility was intentionally designed to be compact so that farming could continue on the land. The solar installation will connect to the Roanoke Electric Cooperative’s grid, contributing to its net-zero carbon goals and enhancing grid flexibility during peak demand and adverse weather. The initiative reflects a shift in county policy requiring special use permits for solar projects, ensuring community input and adherence to updated regulations on setbacks, fencing, and land use.
