US electric utility company Duke Energy has received the go ahead from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) to construct two solar power plants with a cumulative capacity of 75.4 MW. Another project in Rowan County is awaiting approval from NCUC.
Duke Energy Carolinas will be the owner and operator of both projects, which will help meet the state's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard.
The 60 MW Monroe Solar Facility is located on a 400-acre site in Union County. It will be designed and built by Strata Solar. The remaining 15.4 MW Mockville Solar Facility will be spread on 110 acres in Davie County. Crowder Construction in Charlotte will be in charge of project engineering, procurement and construction lead.
Rob Caldwell, senior vice president, Distributed Energy Resources, said, "With the state third in the nation for installed solar power, we are committed to growing renewable energy in a sustainable way that benefits all customers."
Duke Energy says it has invested over $4 billion in wind and solar facilities in 13 states, adding 300 MW in solar energy capacity in North Carolina alone. Its regulated and commercial businesses have added 450 MW of solar in the state, through its over 35 solar facilities. It plans to invest $3 billion more in renewable energy over the next five years.