The city of Charlotte has become the first municipality under Duke Energy’s Green Source Advantage (GSA) initiative to execute a renewable energy agreement –further expanding solar energy in North Carolina.

Under a 20-year power purchase agreement, Duke Energy will secure zero carbon power to partially offset the energy demand of Charlotte.

“We are proud to be a municipal leader in North Carolina and in the U.S., not only setting ambitious climate and energy goals, but taking actions on those goals to support the environment and health of our community.”

Vi Lyles, mayor Charlotte.

The city will partner with Carolina Solar Energy, a solar energy corporation located in North Carolina, and Ecoplexus, an international solar energy company with offices in Durham, North Carolina, to build the solar farm, which is expected to be fully operational by 2022.

“Our customers want more options to secure renewable energy and the Green Source Advantage makes that happen. We designed the program to be flexible and allow larger users to negotiate directly with third-party developers. It supports our customers’ goal and expands renewable energy in North Carolina.”

Stephen De May, president Duke Energy North Carolina.

The GSA allows large consumers to offset their power purchases by purchasing renewable energy from projects connected to the Duke Energy grid. The consumer can retain the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from the projects and use the purchased energy to meet sustainability or carbon-free objectives.

The move fits well with Charlotte’s goal to have its municipal fleet and facilities be fueled by 100% zero-carbon energy sources by 2030.

Overall, 600 MW of capacity is available to large Duke Energy customers in North Carolina under the Green Source Advantage program. Duke Energy currently maintains more than 3.300 MW of solar power on its North Carolina energy grid and operates 40 solar installations.