New baseball stadium solar energy project, one of the largest ever, coming to Richmond

by Shannon Heckt, Virginia Mercury
August 5, 2025

Soon, Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball fans will only need to look up, towards the top of the new stadium, to see Dominion Energy’s latest attempt to bring more power to the grid via renewable sources.

Arrays with a total of 1,700 solar panels will be installed on top of the stadium, slated to be built next year, and in the parking lot. They will produce one megawatt of energy that can provide power for an estimated 250 homes at peak output. While the project is small, Dominion said every bit helps in the rising demand for power.

“Every single megawatt counts, every single electron counts, and this Squirrels solar project is one way we’re making the energy we’re delivering to our Richmond customers clean and affordable and supporting our overall mission,” said Austin Jones, a manager of business development with Dominion.

The company has been striving to utilize urban areas where solar power can be produced, which would add to its solar initiatives in more rural areas. 

Dominion has multiple large-scale solar farms across the commonwealth. A spokesman for the company said they have the third largest solar fleet among utilities in the country, with more than 70 facilities in the state that can power 750,000 homes at peak output. However there are not many projects within cities; the stadium project is the first for Dominion in Richmond. The arrays are a step towards increasing those numbers and revamping the use of parking lots and rooftops in cities across the state.

“Like in a baseball stadium, take something people love, this incredibly joyful thing, and pair it with clean energy,” Jones said.

These arrays will not be powering the stadium itself, but rather will be put onto the grid at large. The project will need approval from the City of Richmond and the State Corporation Commission in order to move forward, which is typical for any energy project. So far, it appears the city government is on board.

“This solar project represents the kind of integrated, collaborative approach that’s essential to achieving Richmond’s clean energy goals,” said Laura Thomas, Director of the City of Richmond’s Office of Sustainability. “It’s a great example of how public, private, and community partners can come together around a shared vision for a more resilient, sustainable future.”

CarMax Park, the new stadium for the Squirrels, is anticipated to be completed in early 2026 as part of the city’s new Diamond District that is under construction now.

“We’re proud to partner with Dominion Energy Virginia to bring a new solar array to CarMax Park, further cementing Richmond’s leadership in clean energy,” Flying Squirrels Managing Partner Lou DiBella said. “This project isn’t just about what happens inside the ballpark; it’s about stepping up as a community partner and using our platform to help bring clean energy to the city.”

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.

SUBSCRIBE

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.