Duke Energy Progress ranks 4th in solar capacity

Duke Energy Progress was ranked fourth among all utility companies for bringing on new solar capacity during 2018, according to the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA).

Pacific Gas & Electric was first with 630 megawatts of solar capacity in 2018 followed by Florida Power & Light with 626.8 MW and Southern California Edison at 440.7 MW. Duke had 436.3 MW followed by Northern States Power Minnesota with 269.4 MW.

“Duke Energy customers are benefiting from the growth and expansion of solar generation in the region,” Rob Caldwell, senior vice president and president of Duke Energy Renewables and Business Development, said. “We expect to continue to spur more renewable energy development in the regions we serve in the years to come.”

The rankings were part of SEPA’s Utility Solar Market Snapshot, which compiles data from more than 500 utilities across the country on solar connected to the grid in 2018.

“The utilities in the Top 10 are truly spearheading the progress we’ve seen in the electric sector this past year,” Julia Hamm, SEPA’s president and CEO, said. “It goes beyond just solar – they are implementing replicable business models and paving the way to a clean and modern energy future, something that won’t be possible without utilities’ leadership and cooperation.”

Dominion Energy North Carolina, Austin Energy, San Diego Gas & Electric, Tampa Electric, and Georgetown Utility Systems round out the top 10.