Duke Energy began its construction on the 50MW Broad River Solar power plant in Cleveland Country, N.C. The project will be owned and operated by Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial subsidiary of Duke Energy. The power plant will contain more than 170,000 solar panels across approximately 500 acres near Boiling Springs. The facility will power the equivalent of 12,500 homes. It is expected to reach commercial operation by the end of 2021.
Stephen De May, President, Duke Energy’s North Carolina, said: “Solar power continues to play a big role in our aggressive pursuit to reduce carbon emissions and achieve our net-zero carbon goal for 2050. We’ll continue to deliver renewable energy by building and purchasing more carbon-free power for our customers.”
Chris Fallon, President, Duke Energy Renewables, said: “In addition to increasing the renewable energy resources in the state, the project will also deliver significant economic benefits to Cleveland County.”
During peak construction, Broad River Solar will generate approximately 120 jobs. Along with indirect economic benefits that accompany solar project development, such as increased local spending in the service and construction industries, Broad River Solar will also have a positive economic impact on the local community by providing local tax revenues to the county and local school districts, as well as meaningful payments to the participating landowners.
The facility’s design, procurement of inverters, the balance of plant systems, and construction of the project will be performed by Swinerton. The solar power generated by Broad River Solar will be sold through a 20-year power purchase agreement.
