Duke Energy to build two major solar projects

Duke Energy proposes two solar projects in North Carolina that will total 75 megawatts.

“As part of our solar expansion efforts in North Carolina, we will continue to seize opportunities to both develop as well as purchase projects that enable us to deliver more renewable energy to our customers,” said Rob Caldwell, senior vice president, Distributed Energy Resources.

The 60-megawatt Monroe Solar Facility on 2272 S. Rocky River Road near Monroe in Union County will be located on a 400-acre site. Strata Solar in Chapel Hill will design and build the project.

The 15.4-megawatt Mocksville Solar Facility in Davie County will use about 110 acres of land. The project will be located at 197 Crawford Road in Mocksville. Crowder Construction in Charlotte will serve as the project engineering, procurement and construction lead.

The company has requested a transfer of the Mocksville Solar Facility’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the NCUC, and plans to do the same regarding the Monroe Solar Facility. If approved, both projects will begin construction in March, with completion targeted for the end of 2016.

Both projects will be owned and operated by Duke Energy Carolinas and will help meet North Carolina’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. Financial details are not being released.

One megawatt of large-scale solar is equivalent to about 200 typical residential rooftop systems.