Duke Energy begins construction of 22.6 MW solar plant in North Carolina

Duke Energy continues to expand solar power in North Carolina with construction starting on its 22.6-megawatt (MW) Stony Knoll Solar power plant. Once completed, it will be the largest solar plant in Surry County.

The project will be owned and operated by Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions. The project was selected as part of the competitive bidding process established by 2017’s solar legislation in North Carolina.

The solar plant consists of 76,600 Trina Solar bifacial modules with single-axis tracking, located on 195 acres in Dobson, N.C. near Rockford Road. It will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 5,000 homes. Commercial operation is expected by the end of 2021.

The facility’s design, procurement of inverters, the balance of plant systems, and construction of the project will be performed by Swinerton Renewable Energy. The energy generated by Stony Knoll will be delivered through a 20-year power purchase agreement with Duke Energy Carolinas.