Contributor: Jennifer Wig
RALEIGH, N.C. – Progress Energy Carolinas has signed an agreement with Southern Energy and NxGen Power to build, own and operate a 1.3-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) array and sell the output to Progress Energy Carolinas for distribution to its customers. The proposed PV array would be located on City of Raleigh property at the Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant (NRWWTP).
The project, which was approved by the Raleigh City Council, will be the first utility-scale solar power project located on local government property in North Carolina. This is also the fifth and largest solar array project announced by Progress Energy Carolinas, bringing the total amount of solar-generated electricity scheduled to be purchased by the company to more than 5 megawatts.
Learn about how a solar cell converts sunlight into electricity.
“We are committed to aggressively and responsibly pursuing renewable energy resources, such as solar power, as part of a balanced approach to meeting our region’s growing energy demand,” said Lloyd Yates, president and chief executive officer of Progress Energy Carolinas. “This project continues our long history of partnering with local communities, and we are pleased to help advance this innovative technology.”
The Raleigh City Council voted unanimously July 7, 2009, to authorize city staff to begin negotiating a lease agreement with Southern Energy and NxGen Power for about 10 acres at the NRWWTP, located at the northwest corner of Brownfield and Battlebridge roads. No city capital investment will be required for this project. The lease agreement will return to the Raleigh City Council for a final vote later this year.
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