Duke Energy continues to adding solar generation facilities in North Carolina as it proposed for building two solar projects, totaling 75.4MW, respectively in Union County and in Davie County. The proposals are pending approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUN).

The proposal covers the 60MW Monroe Solar Facility in Union County, which is to be designed and built by Strata Solar, and the 15.4MW Mockville Solar Facility in Davie County, of which Crowder Construction in Charlotte will serve as the EPC service provider and construction lead.

The company has requested a transfer of the Mocksville Solar Facility's Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the NCUC, and plans to do the same regarding the Monroe Solar Facility. If approved, both projects will begin construction in March, with completion targeted for the end of 2016. Duke Energy Carolinas will own and operate both projects, and the projects will help meet North Carolina's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. Financial details are not being released.

"As part of our solar expansion efforts in North Carolina, we will continue to seize opportunities to both develop as well as purchase projects that enable us to deliver more renewable energy to our customers," said Rob Caldwell, senior vice president, Distributed Energy Resources.

Over the past eight years, Duke Energy has invested more than US$4 billion in renewable resources including wind and solar projects in 12 states. The investment will continue as the company plans to add US$3 billion investment in renewable energy development until 2020.

In North Carolina, Duke Energy currently owns 140MW of capacity at four major solar generation facilities and other smaller ones. North Carolina ranked fourth nationally in the U.S.’s solar installations.

(Photo Credit: Duke Energy)