Rachel Spinella
Features Editor
As of last year, Charlotte, North Carolina has been placed in second in the U.S. for producing solar-energy. Solar power or energy itself is the power obtained by harnessing the energy of the sun’s rays. Solar energy is also the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available. Not only that, but the U.S. has some of the best solar resources in the world.
These solar technologies have the ability to harness the sun’s energy for many different uses. This includes producing light or having a pleasant interior environment, such as through our use of heating and even water.
Duke Energy has reported this latest achievement as of March 15 of 2019. Duke Energy is a corporation in Charlotte, NC that specializes in solar energy and electricity. It is an electric power holding company in the United States that also has assets in Canada and Latin America.
Duke Energy is also one of the largest electric power holding companies in the U.S., as they provide electricity to 7.6 million retail customers in six states.
According to Duke Energy News Center, solar energy has increased by 36 percent as was recorded by recent government data. The same data has placed North Carolina as number two as stated above. Duke Energy News Center continued by reporting that in contrast with other states like California, Arizona and Nevada, each of these states only increased by 10 or 15 percent as of last year.
When Duke Energy News Center asked Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, about this increase, he stated, “Duke Energy continues to connect more solar to the North Carolina energy grid and promote new customer programs in response to the state’s 2017 solar law.” He added that “Working collaboratively with stakeholder groups, Duke Energy is promoting smart, cost-effective solar options for [its] customers.”
As of this year, Duke Energy has reported that the energy in the Carolinas is getting clearer as the Carolinas have managed to produce energy that is from carbon-free resources. This includes nuclear, hypower systems and solar power as well.
Back in 2011, Duke Energy has shut down 30 coal-fired power plants in the Carolinas and in the next six years they will also be shutting down another five on top of that. This has caused carbon dioxide emissions to decrease by 36 percent ever since 2005.
During 2018, Duke Energy was able to connect more than 500 megawatts of new solar capacity as stated on their website. According to the company’s news page, that is more than enough to power about 125,000 homes at peak output.
If you are interested in learning more about the Duke Energy Company, their solar energy or their renewable energy, be sure to check out their website at https://www.duke-energy.com/our-company/about-us.
Categories: Features
THE CAROLINIAN 
Leave a Reply