O2 Energies Develops 4.5-MW Solar Farm in N.C.

O2 Energies is developing a 28-acre solar farm not far from one of the world’s largest Campbell’s Soup factories. From the site, located behind D&I Trucking, Progress Solar III will send clean, sustainable energy to Progress Energy’s electrical grid, serving hundreds of businesses and homes in and around Robeson County.

The 4.5-MW system is one of O2 Energies two solar farms under construction in North Carolina’s largest county. Each represents a $15-million investment in the county, creating renewable energy work opportunities, and bolstering the tax base. O2 energies selected REC Solar Inc. as its General Contractor for the project. The company is employing local workers to construct the system, many of which will be learning new job skills that will be needed in the states growing renewable energy field.

Greg Cummings, Robeson County’s director of economic development, said the county welcomes the new jobs and O2 Energies’ capital investment in an area where the unemployment rate hovers close to 14 percent.

“O2 Energies decision to construct solar farms here in Robeson County is great news. The projects will create jobs and will use Robeson Community College for training. O2’s investment is going to create new revenue streams and strengthen the tax base here in the county.”

Cummings stated that NC is integrating more solar into its power supply because it’s safe, clean and it even looks good out in pastures or in fields that are dormant. “Robeson County already has the necessary infrastructure requirements for the projects such as the kV transmission lines, electrical substations, land and labor. Overall solar is a good investment for us.”