New Bern solar project harnesses the
sun’s energy from warehouse rooftop
New Bern, N.C. (April 4, 2012) – Eastern North
Carolina’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) array is
online and generating electricity from atop a massive
rooftop in New Bern. The 1.26-megawatt (MW) solar
PV array was built by ESA Renewables, LLC and will be
owned and operated by Holocene Clean Energy, Inc.
Progress Energy Carolinas will purchase the electricity
it generates to serve the utility’s customers.
This solar PV project is part of the utility’s plan to meet the requirements of North Carolina’s renewable
portfolio standard. Progress Energy has more than 240 MWs of renewable energy under contract in
North Carolina to help meet the requirements of this law, including solar, biofuels, landfill methane and
other technologies.
“We remain committed to responsibly pursuing renewable energy resources, and we are pleased that
our portfolio of solar projects continues to expand,” said Lloyd Yates, president and chief executive
officer of Progress Energy Carolinas. “Projects such as this, coupled with our aggressive energy-efficiency
programs and advanced generation facilities, will provide the clean, reliable, affordable power our
customers rely on us to provide. We are proud to partner with ESA on this innovative project.”
The New Bern solar array will generate about 1.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year,
reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,000 tons annually. This is equivalent to the annual
greenhouse gas emissions from about 200 vehicles. The expected annual energy output equals the
annual energy usage of about 100 typical households.
“Holocene is excited to have one of the largest rooftop installations in eastern North Carolina under our
belt,” says President Ralph Thompson. “We are ready to see what the future holds and we will continue
to bring solar to the communities of North Carolina and all around the United States.”
Using Poly-crystalline Canadian Solar modules, the array will cover approximately 177,160 square feet of
the roof area, becoming one of Progress Energy Carolinas largest installations in the east to date,
including ground mounted systems. Holocene Clean Energy, Inc. will own and operate the system for the
duration of the contract with Progress Energy Carolinas. Included in the operation and maintenance
contract is ESA’s own proprietary monitoring system, which was developed in house. The monitoring
system is an effective, preventative, and corrective maintenance system helps monitor the plant with
real time data and alerts.