Duke Energy solar project in Cabarrus County taking shape

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Tucked away in the rural community of Midland at the border of Cabarrus and Stanley counties, 200 acres of agricultural land are being developed as Duke Energy’s next solar plant for North Carolina.

The 22.6-megawatt Speedway Solar Facility will eventually sport 77,000 solar panels.

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The project is one if three utility-scale solar projects awarded to Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions in 2018 under the state’s Competitive Procurement of Renewable Energy program. DESS, a commercial subsidiary of Duke Energy Corp., will own and operate the projects, selling the power to Duke Energy Carolinas under a 25-year agreement.

DESS started construction on Speedway in May with San Diego-based Swinerton Renewable Energy as the general contractor. Duke spokesman Randy Wheeless says the company hopes to have the project finished by the end of the year.

Read more and check out photos here.

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