Power management company Eaton announced two contracts to provide electrical distribution equipment and engineering services for two 5-MW solar installations in Chocowinity and Bunn, North Carolina. The solar arrays will generate nearly 20 million kWh of sustainable electricity annually to power approximately 1,200 homes and reduce greenhouse gases emissions equivalent to 2,900 passenger vehicles.
O2 energies Inc., a North Carolina Independent Power Producer (IPP) that specializes in large, ground-mounted solar arrays, selected Eaton for the projects. O2 energies is the developer, owner and operator of the solar installations. Once the projects are complete, Duke Energy, the largest electric power holding company in the United States, will distribute the power produced at the solar arrays through power purchase agreements.“Eaton is a global power management company and a trusted manufacturer of technology and equipment for the utility industry. The company’s strong expertise and broad solar solutions help create an ideal collaboration for our projects in the region,” said Joel Olsen, president, O2 energies.
The ground mounted photovoltaic (PV) projects will incorporate Eaton’s balance-of-system (BOS) solar solutions to help support safe, cost-effective and reliable energy generation, including six Eaton Power Xpert 1,670-kW inverters and direct-coupled transformers, which are designed to help increase electrical resiliency in large commercial and utility-scale, grid-connect applications.
“With a proven record of successful utility-scale solar installations across North America, Eaton is well positioned to help O2 energies make cost-effective and reliable solar generation a reality in North Carolina,” said Ryan Whitmore, solar district sales manager, Eaton.
Under the contracts, Eaton will also supply its 1,000-volt (V) Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1741-certified solar recombiners, which are qualified for reliable and safe operation in utility applications. To enhance safety and reliability, Eaton will also provide startup and commissioning services.