DP Facilities is the company that developed the Mineral Gap Data Center in Wise County, Virginia that is powered by a 3.6 MW solar array.
The 20-acre 3.6 MW capacity solar system will power the data center’s 65,000-square foot flagship building.
Mineral Gap Data Center is the first solar project in history that converted an abandoned mine land into a solar energy site.
The solar project will help the company achieve its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 45% per square foot across their 65 million square feet of property by 2025.
“Commercial-scale solar projects, like Mineral Gap, will enhance economic development opportunities for Wise Country and the region.”
Cliff Carson, Wise Country IDA Chairman
Wise County, Virginia has a history as being a center of energy production and innovation. The community was eager to support the solar-powered data center established by DP facilities, particularly the opportunities for new clean energy jobs.
Several regional stakeholders including Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia, Appalachian Voices, and Wise County Economic Development office collaborated to create the first solar project in Virginia’s history to be built on an abandoned mine land.
The benefits of the Mineral Gap Data Center’s solar array extend beyond its immediate site. The project not only created construction and maintenance jobs, but also serves as a catalyst for a cleaner regional economy.
“This is a very good day for Wise County and for DP Facilities. We are leading the way in solar in this area and it is our goal to continue to be a leader in green energy in the country the way that we have been the last 100 years,” said Michael Hatfield, Wise County Administrator.
Additionally, the project’s significance has gained national and regional attention, with coverage from Bloomberg, Energy News Network, Solar Industry Magazine, RadioIQ, and other prominent media outlets. PBS and VPM highlighted the Mineral Gap Data Center project in their Creating Common Wealth series. This series explores how leaders across Virginia are driving economic growth through innovation. It showcases inspiring stories of individuals revitalizing their communities and outlines a vision for a prosperous and unified future for all residents.
To watch the video
Mineral Gap Data Centers’ proposed solar energy farm was one of the 10 projects chosen for a $500,000 grant from the state’s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) pilot program, which is now called the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program. This grant was funded by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. The Virginia Department of Energy administers these funds to reclaim eligible abandoned mine sites.
“The Mineral Gap Solar Project is an exciting investment in the future of energy in southwest Virginia. By converting abandoned mine land into solar farms the project is creating new jobs, investing in the economy, and launching Wise Country as a leader in renewable energy.”
Mark R. Warner, U.S. Senator
We supply Tier 1 UVcell Energy panels with exceptional efficiency, maximum output, and long-lasting durability for large-scale projects.
Copyright © 2025 UVCellEnergy | All Rights Reserved
