Canadian Solar Inc., one of the world's largest solar power companies, Duke Energy Renewables, Integrys Energy Services and Community Energy Solar today announced the completion of two 1-megawatt (MW) AC solar power projects in Sterling, Massachusetts.

The community-oriented Sterling projects are co-owned by Canadian Solar and INDU Solar Holdings - a joint venture between subsidiaries of Duke Energy and of Integrys Energy Services. The ground-mounted installations were developed by Community Energy Solar and constructed by groSolar using 9,968 CS6P 240W Canadian Solar modules. They will supply enough energy to power about 400 homes annually.

Sterling Municipal Light Department (SMLD) is purchasing the power generated from the projects under 20-year agreements for use within the Town of Sterling.
"These projects stand to have a significant impact on the Town of Sterling, highlighting how a solar installation can support a community by providing benefits on multiple levels, in addition to generating long-term clean energy," said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar."We are pleased to see this initial venture with INDU Solar come to fruition, and look forward to future collaboration with INDU and our other project partners."

"On behalf of INDU, we are pleased to announce these project completions, our first in New England," said Duke Energy Renewables President Greg Wolf. "All of the stakeholders involved contributed a wealth of project development, construction, and management expertise, and we are excited that Sterling will benefit from this energy source for years to come."

Community Energy Solar worked closely with the Town of Sterling and landowner Davis Dairy Farmland to design projects that are well suited for the agricultural and residential setting and meet the town's long-term power needs. Canadian Solar, Duke Energy Renewables, Integrys Energy Services and Community Energy Solar are also facilitating a solar energy educational initiative associated with the projects.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the projects will be held this summer in the Town of Sterling. Canadian Solar and INDU Solar have already begun construction on a third project developed by Community Energy Solar in Massachusetts, a 3-MW (AC) installation in the southeastern part of the State.