The Eastern North Carolina power grid is getting a little bit sunnier, as Progress Energy has signed a contract with ESA Renewables, LLC, to build, own and operate a solar photovoltaic (PV) array at the Port of Morehead City. ESA Renewables will sell the entire output of the 800-kilowatt (kW) system to the utility for use with its customers.

“We are pleased that our portfolio of solar projects in Eastern North Carolina continues to expand,” said Lloyd Yates, president and chief executive officer of Progress Energy Carolinas. “We remain committed to responsibly pursuing renewable energy resources. 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.”

The Morehead City, N.C., solar PV array will be located on the roof of the Port Authority warehouse. It will be completed by the summer of 2011 and is expected to produce more than 1,125,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 700 metric tons annually. This is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from about 152 vehicles. The expected annual energy output equals the annual energy usage of about 78 typical households.

“The Port of Morehead City rooftop project is yet another renewable energy venture in which we are proud to be an integral part,” said Jeffrey Burkett, president of ESA Renewables.  “This project validates ESA’s approach to help stimulate the economy and create new local jobs. Using this green energy will mean less energy needs to be provided in the conventional way, such as with coal or natural gas -- that means success for the city, the environment and for ESA as well.”

Rep. G. K. Butterfield of North Carolina, a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, said he is encouraged by the project. “As we work toward energy independence, this is just the kind of innovative project we need to be looking toward,” Butterfield said.

This project was proposed in response to Progress Energy Carolinas’ request for renewable energy proposals, issued in November 2008, as part of the company’s plan to meet the requirements of North Carolina’s renewable portfolio standard. Progress Energy has about 100 megawatts of renewable energy under contract in North Carolina to help meet the requirements of this law, including solar, biofuels, landfill methane and other technologies.