Duke Energy seeks to become solar lessor in North Carolina
Duke Energy filed papers with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) to be a certified solar lessor in the state.
Duke Energy Clean Energy Resources (DECER), an affiliate of Duke Energy, was created to build, own and operate on-site solar facilities. DECER is not financially supported by Duke Energy Carolinas or Duke Energy Progress.
“Customers want more solar power for their operations, but the large upfront investment can be an obstacle,” Rob Caldwell, president of Duke Energy Renewables and Distributed Energy Technology, said. “Through DECER, we will be competing to provide customers a turnkey solar solution to meet their renewable energy goals, while managing the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility.”
DECER will target businesses, but residential, commercial and nonprofit customers can still take advantage of Duke Energy’s $62 million solar rebate program.
Under DECER’s offering, companies can negotiate for solar facilities up to 1 megawatt of capacity with a term of up to 20 years. Customers will be able to use 100 percent of the electrical output of the facilities and be eligible for any rebates. Also, DECER will handle all the maintenance of the facilities.
Before launching, Duke Energy must first receive approval from the NCUC.
Duke Energy owns and operates more than 20 wind farms and 80 solar facilities – including 35 of them in North Carolina. North Carolina is the No. 2 ranked state in the nation for solar power.
