Three solar farms coming to Eastern NC

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Duke Energy announced Monday that the North Carolina Utilities Commission approved three proposed solar facilities in eastern North Carolina.

The three sites are located in Bladen, Duplin and Wilson counties; the sites will provide energy and renewable energy certificates to benefit Duke Energy customers as cost-effective components of the company’s portfolio to comply with the N.C. Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, according to a news release.

The three projects are part of Duke Energy’s $500-million solar expansion announced in September.

The projects will begin construction in early 2015, and are expected to be completed by the end of 2015. Officials say more than 750 construction jobs are expected during the peak of construction at the three sites.