Duke Energy Renewables has acquired six 5MW solar projects in Eastern North Carolina from Community Energy. Five of the six sites are in service, with the final project coming on line in May. Collectively, these facilities will generate enough solar energy to power about 6,000 homes.

"Last year, our commercial and regulated businesses added 300MW of solar power in North Carolina, and these projects continue the momentum of renewable energy growth in the state," said Greg Wolf, president, Duke Energy Commercial Portfolio. "We're pleased to work with Community Energy and proud to be a part of the economic development and jobs the solar industry has brought to North Carolina."

"Community Energy was one of the early entrants into both North Carolina and eastern solar markets and greatly appreciates the opportunity to now be working with an industry leader like Duke Energy Renewables on these projects", said Eric Blank, president, Community Energy Solar.

Output from the solar projects is being sold to Dominion NC Power under 15-year agreements.

Gehrlicher Solar America Corp., a division of M&W Americas Inc., constructed the projects. About 135,000 solar modules were installed on the six sites.

Last year alone, Duke Energy added 300 MW of solar energy in North Carolina. In total, Duke Energy companies, both regulated and commercial, have installed about 450 MW of solar energy in the state, enough to power 85,000 average homes at peak production.

Duke Energy has invested more than $4 billion in renewable energy and plans to invest about $3 billion over the next five years.