Duke Energy sees growth in solar installations in North Carolina
Duke Energy in North Carolina installed some 5,500 private solar systems at their homes and businesses in 2020.
Duke Energy connected almost 350 megawatts of solar power capacity in 2020, which could power roughly 60,000 homes. Last year, major projects included the 69-megawatt (MW) Maiden Creek solar facility in Catawba County and the 25-MW Gaston County solar facility in Bessemer City.
Overall, more than 18,000 Duke Energy customers have a private solar system. The increase Is driven primarily by the company’s five-year, $62 million solar rebate program, which helps pay for the significant upfront costs of solar systems.
“Our customers want more renewable energy, and Duke Energy is making that a reality for them,” Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, said. “We’re also connecting large-scale solar plants – owned and operated by Duke Energy and other developers.”
Duke Energy owns and operates more than 40 solar facilities in North Carolina. The state trails only California and Texas in the amount of solar power produced.
“Working with stakeholders will lead to more renewable energy in North Carolina at better prices for customers,” De May said. “Renewable energy will be a cornerstone of Duke Energy as we seek to reduce carbon emissions and generate cleaner energy.”
Among the organizations that went solar or decided to pursue solar in 2020 include the City of Charlotte, Bank of America, and Duke University. Also, at the U.S. Army’s Fort Bragg, the company plans to build a 1.1-MW floating solar system as part of a $36 million energy services effort. The floating solar project will be on Big Muddy Lake, located at Camp Mackall.
