Duke Energy Renewables, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), announced that its 100-megawatt (MW-alternating current) Lapetus Solar project in Andrews County, Texas, began commercial operation in December 2019.
It is Duke Energy’s second solar project in commercial operation in Texas and the first large-scale solar project in Andrews County.
“Texas ranks fourth in the country for solar energy. We’re thrilled that Lapetus Solar is now online and will contribute to the growth of the community’s clean energy facilities,” said Rob Caldwell, president, Duke Energy Renewables.
The project, which Duke Energy Renewables acquired from 7X Energy in February 2019, employed as many as 240 individuals during the peak construction period. It contains over 340,000 solar panels and is located on approximately 800 acres outside of Andrews, Texas.
“7X originated and developed the Lapetus Solar project, and we are proud to help bring Andrews County its first large-scale solar project,” said Clay Butler, president and CEO of 7X Energy. “We are grateful to Andrews County for welcoming solar to the local community and the economic benefits it brings.”
The energy generated from the Lapetus Solar project will be delivered to the ERCOT grid and is being sold under three multiyear power purchase agreements (PPA) to Brazos Electric Power Cooperative Inc. on behalf of CoServ Electric and seven other distribution cooperative members.
The facility’s design, procurement of PV modules, inverters, balance of plant systems, and construction of the project were performed by Swinerton Renewable Energy. Duke Energy Renewables completed project development, managed the construction of the project and will operate and manage the facility.
In addition to the Lapetus Solar project in Andrews County, in 2019 Duke Energy Renewables announced the acquisition of the 200-MW(ac) Holstein Solar project in Nolan County and the 200-MW(ac) Rambler Solar project in Tom Green County, Texas. Both projects will be in commercial operation by mid-2020.
Duke Energy is one of the nation’s top renewable energy providers – on track to own or purchase 8,000 megawatts of wind, solar and biomass energy by the end of 2020.
