Duke Energy has began construction on two major solar projects in North Carolina.
The projects are the 69-megawatt (MW) Maiden Creek solar facility, located on Didley Dadburn Road in the Catawba County town of Maiden and the 25-MW Gaston solar facility located on Neal Road in the Gaston County town of Bessemer City.
The projects were selected as part of a competitive bidding process that was established from 2017’s landmark solar legislation in North Carolina. The projects were among the most cost-effective and will deliver clean solar energy at the lowest possible cost.
“Catawba County applauds Duke Energy’s efforts in partnering with the private sector to increase the use of cost-effective renewable energy. This project will bring jobs to our community during construction and generate clean energy for years to come.”
Randy Isenhower, chair, Catawba County board of commissioners.
Together, the projects will feature about 400,000 solar panels and generate enough energy to power approximately 20,000 homes and businesses. Both projects are scheduled to come online by the end of this year. At peak construction, a combined 380 workers will be employed at the two sites.
“Building more solar supports Duke Energy’s strategy of lowering carbon emissions as we strive to meet our 2050 net-zero carbon goal. We participated in a rigorous bidding process – competing with other companies to bring more renewable energy to the state.”
Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president.
