The project will infuse approximately $10 million into Hardy County during its first 20 years. Of that amount, approximately $8 million will support education and the public services provided by the county. The community benefit fund portion will provide approximately $2 million directed to specific program and service needs chosen by the county leaders.

Old Fields Solar also will generate local economic opportunities by creating short-term (construction) and long-term (maintenance and operational) jobs, as well as positive ripple effects in other jobs and businesses supported through spending and purchases by project workers at local businesses, shops, restaurants and hotels.

MN8 believes it is important to be a valuable member of the community that extends beyond the financial assets. As the project moves forward, the team will work closely to identify opportunities to become involved in, such as with education and community-based organizations.

The power from Old Fields Solar will be delivered into the local West Virginia electric grid, helping to diversify the state’s energy portfolio and increase local energy supply. Power generated by the project will be used by electrically proximate sources of demand. This means that it will serve both local demand, and may be transmitted elsewhere in the system when power is needed.

The project will be sited on privately-owned land in the Old Fields Solar region generating approximately 1 MW of energy per 5 to 7 acres or solar. Those acres will be fenced in with wildlife-friendly fencing and will incorporate a vegetative buffer to minimize the visual impact to neighboring properties.

The site selected for the Old Fields Solar Project is in close proximity to a transmission line, which will transport power to the nearest source of demand. The site is also relatively flat with good solar production, allowing for solar to be an advantageous source of power to incorporate into the local transmission grid.

Old Fields Solar anticipates submitting an application with the Public Service Commission (PSC) of West Virginia in late 2025. The permitting process takes approximately one-year to complete, so we anticipate receiving a decision by the PSC late 2026. Pending final site plans, construction may begin in 2028 with commercial operations to begin in 2030.

Construction will take approximately 12-18 months from start to commercial operations.

Typical construction occurs between 7am – 7pm throughout the typical work week.

Safety is paramount. MN8 recognizes construction projects add traffic to roads and highways. The project will follow all state, local and federal laws and regulations related to transportation. Additionally, the team will meet with local officials, such as the county sheriff’s office and the board of education, to understand traffic patterns, as well as bus routes and schedules.

MN8 is committed to environmental and wildlife protection in the project area.

Environmental experts have been conducting site-specific studies to understand and to ensure the protection of both wildlife and the environment. This work includes performing wetland and stream studies, avian surveys, cultural and archaeological surveys, and environmental site assessments. The results of this data are used in engineering design to avoid and minimize impacts to such resources.

The project will comply with applicable state and federal wildlife regulations, including requirements of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. The United States Army Corps of Engineers and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection have oversight for water resource permits and approvals prior to the start of construction. For cultural and archaeological protections, the project is consulting with the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office and will initiate practices deemed appropriate for the project.

Although there will be a need to use experienced regional and national contractors during the multi-phased project, the company does prefer to hire locally as much as possible. Employees who reside in the area will be more inclined to stay in the community long term. This provides added benefit to both the community and the project.

Phase 1 - Development

This phase is currently underway. The team is conducting numerous site-specific surveys, including geotechnical surveys, boundary surveys, and numerous environmental and engineering studies to further the project’s development. Much of this work is being done by regional civil engineering and environmental firms.

Phase 2 - Construction

Once this phase begins, an engineering procurement contractor will hire local and regional skilled contractors to staff positions based on need and availability through construction. This work involves a variety of different stages, including site preparations, pre-planting of vegetation, installing solar components, and final site landscaping and cleanup.

Phase 3 - Operation

These positions will require skills in electrical, electronics and computers, as well as land maintenance, to ensure the project and the property are well maintained.

As the project moves closer to the construction phase, MN8 will promote the job application process through multiple methods, including the project website and Facebook page, as well as local information sources. Once the project is ready to accept applications, the information will be provided on how and where to apply through these channels.