Carolina Solar Energy, Ecoplexus to build 35-MW solar project in Charlotte
A 35-MW solar project is coming to Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of the Duke Energy Green Source Advantage (GSA) Program. The project will be built by Carolina Solar Energy and Ecoplexus and should be fully operational by 2022.
The solar energy project, which will help offset about 25% of carbon emissions from city-owned buildings over the next 20 years, helps advance the City’s Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP). The SEAP was adopted unanimously by the City Council in December 2018 and provides the roadmap for Charlotte to become a low-carbon City by 2050, aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement. As part of its goals, the City aims to achieve 100% zero-carbon municipal buildings and fleet by 2030.
“Not only does this 35-MW solar energy project get us 25% of the way toward our goal in a very short time, but it contributes to building the green economy and improves our citizens’ quality of life,” said Heather Bolick, Energy & Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Charlotte.
The solar energy project is expected to save the City nearly $2 million in energy expenses over 20 years. In addition, it is expected to create 428 jobs in the region.
The GSA program allows large customers to select and negotiate directly with a renewable energy company of their choice, thereby allowing the large customer to keep all renewable energy certificates (RECs) generated by that renewable facility.
