CHARLOTTE, May 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Renewables today announced it has acquired six 5-megawatt (MW) solar projects in Eastern North Carolina from Community Energy.

Five of the six sites are in service, with the final project, Seaboard, coming on line in May. Collectively, these facilities will generate enough solar energy to power about 6,000 homes.

"Last year, our commercial and regulated businesses added 300 MW of solar power in North Carolina, and these projects continue the momentum of renewable energy growth in the state," said Greg Wolf, president, Duke Energy Commercial Portfolio. "We're pleased to work with Community Energy and proud to be a part of the economic development and jobs the solar industry has brought to North Carolina."

The solar sites are named for the town in which they are located:

"Community Energy was one of the early entrants into both North Carolina and eastern solar markets and greatly appreciates the opportunity to now be working with an industry leader like Duke Energy Renewables on these projects", said Eric Blank, president, Community Energy Solar.

Output from the solar projects is being sold to Dominion NC Power under 15-year agreements.

Gehrlicher Solar America Corp., a division of M&W Americas Inc., constructed the projects. About 135,000 solar modules were installed on the six sites.

Last year alone, Duke Energy added 300 MW of solar energy in North Carolina. In total, Duke Energy companies, both regulated and commercial, have installed about 450 MW of solar energy in the state, enough to power 85,000 average homes at peak production.

Duke Energy has invested more than $4 billion in renewable energy and plans to invest about $3 billion over the next five years.

Images can be found on Duke Energy's News Center: http://news.duke-energy.com/

About Duke Energy Renewables

Duke Energy Renewables, part of Duke Energy's Commercial Portfolio, is a leader in developing innovative wind and solar energy generation projects for customers throughout the United States. The company's growing portfolio of commercial renewable assets includes 18 wind farms and 42 solar farms in operation in 12 states, totaling about 2,500 megawatts in electric-generating capacity. Learn more at www.duke-energy.com/renewables.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. 

The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy.

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About Community Energy

Since its inception in 1999, Community Energy has led the development and construction of more than 1,200 MW of wind and solar generating facilities. Community Energy has used a pioneering mix of utility off-take approaches, renewable energy marketing, and development expertise to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies at scale. With offices in Chapel Hill, NC, and headquarters in Radnor, PA, Community Energy has a strong presence in multiple renewable energy markets.  For more information about Community Energy, please visit www.communityenergysolar.com.

Contact: Tammie McGee
800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy