Battery storage land in Hanover County, Virginia

Get the project classification in writing

Hanover’s code defines Tier 1 using a 600 kWh limit, on-site use and, for enclosed systems, a single technology. Tier 2 covers greater energy capacity or multiple enclosed battery technologies. The published Tier 2 route calls for a conditional use permit in A-1, M-1, M-2 or M-3 and site plan review.

Ask the developer to identify the proposed use, zoning district and approval route for your actual parcel. A description such as “small battery project” does not tell you how the county would classify it. Ask for both the power rating in MW and stored energy in MWh, along with the intended charging and export arrangement.

Virginia has a separate statutory route for qualifying batteries added within an approved solar parcel. Have the team explain whether that route applies before assuming the county’s standalone process governs. Existing solar permission does not itself give someone private rights to install batteries on your land.

If the property is inside a town, confirm the governing jurisdiction first. Share the parcel location rather than relying only on a mailing address.

Reference: Hanover County: battery storage definitions and requirements, sections 26-292.1 through 26-292.4 · Hanover County: official ordinance directory · Virginia Code: qualifying storage additions to approved solar projects

Do not confuse an equipment tax rule with land income

Section 22-51.1(f) describes machinery-and-tools treatment for batteries above 5 MW and below 150 MW with a county zoning application filed before July 1, 2030. The taxable share of assessed value changes with years in service. That equipment provision is separate from the zoning tiers.

Ask the project team and your tax adviser which property would be assessed, who would own it, who would receive the bill and which assumptions are being used. This guide does not calculate your taxes or establish that an offered project qualifies for that treatment.

Keep the proposed land payment on its own line. Then list every expense the agreement might assign to you. If a developer says it will cover taxes, ask whether that means equipment taxes, an increase in land taxes, or both. Have the exact promise reviewed before relying on it.

For a partial-property arrangement, ask how the project area would be identified in the agreement and assessment records. Keep the land you retain, project equipment and proposed improvements clearly described. Request an explanation of any expected change to your existing assessment or land-use treatment.

Reference: Hanover County: storage equipment tax provision, section 22-51.1(f)

Put a name and a process beside each bill

Ask for a responsibility schedule that names the company handling each expense. Include permitting, surveys, utility studies, construction work, insurance, ongoing maintenance and removal. Distinguish costs during the option period from costs after the lease begins.

Discuss what happens if a project-related bill arrives in your name. Who should receive a copy, how quickly must they respond, and must they pay directly or reimburse you? Ask how a disputed charge would be handled while the dispute is unresolved.

Save the contact information for the company responsible for payment. If the person arranging the land agreement works for a different company, ask who is actually making the promises and signing the agreement. A helpful representative’s email is not a substitute for a clear contractual obligation.

Ask how responsibilities would pass to a buyer or new operator. Review whether your agreement provides notice, contact updates and written assumption of obligations. Discuss what happens to outstanding charges during a transfer.

Review the removal promise alongside the cost promise

Hanover’s published battery rules call for a removal plan and financial security from the system owner or operator. Ask how the applicable requirements would be met and obtain the project-specific documents. Public requirements and your private agreement should both be examined.

Make a list of what would need to leave: battery units, foundations, cables, fencing and temporary work areas. Mark any improvements you might want to keep. Describe the condition needed for your next use, including access, soil and drainage.

Ask who can use the removal security, when it becomes available and what happens if the responsible company fails. Request the current cost estimate and explanation of updates. Do not treat a stated security amount as money automatically payable to you.

Consider removal after damaged equipment as well as a planned shutdown. Ask who would organize the work, how your retained land would stay accessible and who would repair damage from removal traffic. Keep copies of approved plans and your agreement where a future owner or adviser can find them.

Reference: Hanover County: battery storage definitions and requirements, sections 26-292.1 through 26-292.4

Tell us what you would consider for your Hanover property

Start with your name, email and phone, then the location. Tell us whether you would consider a lease, a sale or use of only part of the property. Acreage and parcel details are optional if you do not have them ready.

Mention the current use, any tenant or shared access, and any existing solar agreement, option or other development commitment. If someone has already made an offer, describe the payment structure and the costs you want clarified.

Sunland can begin with that information. Further review must establish the land rights, usable layout, electrical connection, approvals and commercial fit. Contacting us does not commit your property to a project.