SunEnergy1 is installing JinkoSolar panels at the Duke Energy Renewables-owned Capital Partners Solar Project in eastern North Carolina.
The solar project was announced June 24 as a unique partnership among three customers — George Washington University, American University and the George Washington University Hospital — that will bring solar power from rural North Carolina to the urban settings of the Washington D.C., institutions. Customer First Renewables, a renewable energy integrator, facilitated the partnership.
Phase I, in Pasquotank County near Elizabeth City, is underway and represents the first 20 megawatts (MW) of the total 52-MW (AC) solar photovoltaic project. It is expected to reach commercial operation by year-end, and two other sites will be constructed in 2015 to complete the project.
SunEnergy1 developed the sites and is the engineering, procurement and construction contractor and held job fairs in Elizabeth City and is looking to employ more than 500 people from Pasquotank and nearby counties over the course of the project’s construction.
The 92,000 solar panels for the first 20-MW site are provided by JinkoSolar.
JinkoSolar’s UL-certified JKM300P-72 and JKM305P-72 modules have a conversion efficiency of up to 16 percent and a comprehensive 25-year warranty. Designed to withstand extreme weather and environmental conditions, their self-cleaning capabilities reduce power loss caused by soiling.
The Capital Partners Solar Project will be Duke Energy Renewables’ 14th solar installation in North Carolina and its largest in the state. SunEnergy1 has been the EPC contractor for seven of the company’s largest North Carolina solar projects.