Bringing solar’s promise to life for Pike County
Flat Shoals Energy Center is a county-permitted, utility-scale solar farm under development. It is located southeast of Highway 18 between Concord and Molena. The project will bring millions of dollars in revenue to the county and be a quiet, passive neighbor that preserves the county’s rural character. Sun Tribe — based out of Charlottesville, VA, and with a track record of responsible solar throughout the Mid-Atlantic and the South — is the developer.
At a Glance
100-120 megawatts (AC)
Size (energy):
850 acres
Size (area):
Lifetime direct county revenue (taxes and fees):
$11.7 Million
Number of homes powered:
11,000+
Timeline
A brief history and current status of Flat Shoals
Previous developers first proposed a version of Flat Shoals Energy Center in 2017 and secured county approval in late 2020. County demand and broader economic shifts prompted the prior developer to walk away and the project stalled, leaving the county and its residents without the benefit of the revenue that could support local services like schools, police, fire, and community programs
The project has remained stagnant, with considerable potential, but without a developer to usher it forward. Sun Tribe stepped in to improve the project and get it “unstuck,” bringing Flat Shoals’ promise to life for Pike County.
Previous developer filed initial application with the county
2017
County commissioners unanimously approved modifications to the initial project plan from a subsequent developer
Late 2020
Sun Tribe steps in to improve the Flat Shoals project
Early 2025
Project Area
Goal
Making Flat Shoals better
Sun Tribe is committed to working with the county and the community to improve Flat Shoals and make the project an even-better version of itself — for the benefit of Pike County residents and the land.
Preserving Pike County’s character
Flat Shoals Energy Center will not be visible from Highway 18. Previous developers located the array straddling both sides of the highway. Sun Tribe’s modified layout keeps all of the solar panels on the southeast side of the highway.
The panels will be out of view behind a 200+ foot buffer of existing trees, shrubs, and other natural vegetation, plus additional plantings as needed. This buffer width exceeds that specified in the county’s solar farm ordinance.
Protecting the Elkins Creek watershed
Elkins Creek flows through wetlands to the east of the project area. The Flat Shoals plan includes substantial setbacks, natural vegetative buffers, and other environmental considerations along the eastern edge of the solar array facing the Elkins Creek watershed.
Pollinator-friendly ground cover under and around the solar panels will further protect the soil and prevent sediment runoff — an important long-term benefit for the watershed compared to the risks of sediment and erosion following timber harvesting on the property.
Generating local, affordable power
Georgia Power customers already pay residential retail electricity prices that are below the national average. Flat Shoals Energy Center will help keep it that way.
Utility-scale solar PV is America’s cheapest form of electricity generation, according to the US Department of Energy. Georgia Power will purchase the electricity from Flat Shoals, providing Pike County residents with more local, affordable power.
Community Engagement
Stay informed & add your voice
Sign up to stay informed
As our community engagement work continues, there are opportunities for you to attend community meetings, site visits, and other events. Please email us to connect directly and add your contact information to stay informed about the project. We want to hear from you.
Contact us
Tyler Brock
Project Developer
tyler.brock@suntribedevelopment.com
Seth Herman
Director of Community Engagement
seth.herman@suntribedevelopment.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the energy going?
Utility customers, both residential and commercial, will consume the energy generated by the array. The power is going directly to the Georgia Power grid. Solar energy is one of the most cost-effective new energy sources.
Are solar panels safe?
Solar panels are safe and do not pose a health or safty risk to humans or the environment. The technology is also being used atop public schools and on homes and public buildings across the country.
What happens to the land at the end of the solar project’s life?
At the end of the project's lifetime, decommissioning occurs. This includes removing the solar system. After the equipment is removed from the site, restoration of the site formerly occupied by the array occurs. A decommissioning bond ensures that the money for removal is available no matter what, and is not a burden on the County or taxpayers.
About Us
Sun Tribe
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, Sun Tribe is one of the most respected clean energy companies in the Mid-Atlantic and the South.
We’re proud of our proven track record developing responsible solar that puts community and environmental values first - from building the first solar site in Virginia to earn gold certification from the Commonwealth’s Pollinator Smart program to partnering with The Nature Conservancy to bring responsible solar to former mine lands throughout Appalachia in tandem with sustainable forestry on timber lands.
Thanks to a team of 80+ passionate professionals, our projects are saving customers millions of dollars on electricity costs and providing tax revenue to the communities where we operate.
https://suntribesolar.com/