CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- North
Carolina's status as a national solar energy leader expanded
further in 2016 as Duke Energy connected about 500 megawatts (MW)
of solar capacity in the state to serve customers.
The combination of owned and purchased solar was enough to power
about 105,000 homes at peak production.
"Renewable energy is important to our customers, and Duke Energy
is responding by developing and owning solar plants – and also by
connecting other solar projects to our system in North Carolina," said Rob Caldwell, president, Duke Energy Renewables
and Distributed Energy Technology.
Across its commercial and regulated businesses, Duke Energy
invested in 100 MW of capacity during the year – including plants
in Davie, Hertford, Northampton, Perquimans and Wilson counties.
The company also purchased and connected about 400 MW of solar
capacity for customers in 2016 that was built by other
developers.
Much of the new solar energy supports North Carolina's 2007 Renewable Energy and
Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard that mandates Duke Energy
generate 12.5 percent of its retail sales in the state by renewable
energy or energy efficiency programs by 2021.
Outlook for 2017
The solar outlook appears promising in 2017, too. The company is
seeking about 400 MW of new capacity in its Duke Energy Carolinas
territory in the Piedmont and
western portions of the state. Also in 2017, Duke Energy is
scheduled to begin operation at its 60-MW Monroe Solar Facility in
Union County.
"Duke Energy is striving to expand renewable energy in
North Carolina – creating a
sustainable process that serves the needs of the environment,
customers and stakeholders," added Caldwell.
N.C.'s Overall Solar Picture
Overall, through its regulated utilities and Duke Energy
Renewables, the company owns and operates about 500 MW of solar
capacity in North Carolina. See a
detailed map.
It purchases almost 1,700 MW of solar capacity from other
facilities in the state. More than 4,500 Duke Energy customers
generate roughly 45 MW of private solar. According to the
Washington, D.C.-based Solar
Energy Industries Association, the entire state of North Carolina has more than 2,500 MW of solar
capacity – making it No. 2 in the nation for overall solar
power.
About Duke Energy
Headquartered in Charlotte,
N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company
traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More
information about the company is available at
duke-energy.com.
The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for
journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and
videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online
destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and
community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into
the past and insights into the future of energy.
Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and
Facebook.
Contact: Randy Wheeless
Office: 704.382.8379
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_RandyW
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SOURCE Duke Energy