A new solar energy development is coming for the peoples of North Carolina, with the start of construction of the Stony Knoll solar project; it will be a 22,6-megawatts solar energy plant owned and operated by Duke Energy. Once completed, it will be the largest solar plant in Surry County.
Firstly, as said above, Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions will own and operate the plant. It will contain 76,600 Trina Solar bifacial modules; with single-axis tracking.
Secondly, the plant will be located on 195 acres in Dobson, North Carolina; near the Rockford Road. As for its 22-megawatts capacity; the plant will hold the power necessary to electrify around 5000 state homes.
Thirdly, Duke Energy expects to complete construction phase and start commercial operations by the end of 2021. However, during peak construction, Stony Knoll Solar will create about 70 jobs.
Moreover, the plant will also have indirect economic benefits that accompany solar project development; such as increased local spending in the service and construction industries.
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Solar energy not the only benefit for the region
In addition, Stony Knoll 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.
Furthermore, about the relevance of the project, Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, said. “Duke Energy is also bringing more carbon-free, renewable energy to customers in North Carolina. We’re pleased to add Surry County to our ever-growing list of solar locations; as we significantly reduce carbon emissions on our path to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
On the other hand, Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, added. “We’re pleased to continue to build upon the renewable energy resources in the state. The Stony Knoll solar project marks the third facility that we have announced in North Carolina this year; and demonstrates our continued commitment to increasing clean energy generation in the state.”
Finally, the facility’s design, procurement of inverters, balance of plant systems and construction of the project will be performed by Swinerton Renewable Energy.
