PITTSBURGH — Power management company Eaton on Tuesday announced two contracts to provide electrical distribution equipment and engineering services for two 5-megawatt (MW) solar installations in Chocowinity and Bunn, North Carolina. The solar arrays will generate nearly 20 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of sustainable electricity annually to power approximately 1,200 homes and reduce greenhouse gases emissions equivalent to 2,900 passenger vehicles.
O2 energies Inc., a North Carolina Independent Power Producer (IPP) that specializes in large, ground-mounted solar arrays selected Eaton for the projects. O2 energies is the developer, owner and operator of the solar installations. Once the projects are complete, Duke Energy, the largest electric power holding company in the U.S., will distribute the power produced at the solar arrays through power purchase agreements.
“Eaton is a global power management company and a trusted manufacturer of technology and equipment for the utility industry. The company’s strong expertise and broad solar solutions help create an ideal collaboration for our projects in the region,” said Joel Olsen, president, O2 energies.
The ground mounted photovoltaic (PV) projects will incorporate Eaton’s balance-of-system (BOS) solar solutions to help support safe, cost-effective and reliable energy generation, including six Eaton ® Power Xpert ® 1670-kilowatt (kW) inverters and direct-coupled transformers, which are designed to help increase electrical resiliency in large commercial and utility-scale, grid-connect applications.
“With a proven record of successful utility-scale solar installations across North America, Eaton is well positioned to help O2 energies make cost-effective and reliable solar generation a reality in North Carolina,” said Ryan Whitmore, solar district sales manager, Eaton.
Under the contracts, Eaton will also supply its 1,000-volt (V) Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1741-certified solar recombiners, which are qualified for reliable and safe operation in utility applications. To enhance safety and reliability, Eaton will also provide startup and commissioning services.
O2 energies is focused on developing and owning large-scale ground-mounted solar power plants in the Southeast United States. Each solar project is developed to maximize profitability for investors, work opportunities for local contractors, as well as training and educational opportunities for local residents. O2 energies presently owns and operates more than 50 megawatts of solar power plants. To learn more, visit www.O2Energies.com.
Eaton provides solar equipment and software tailored to customer requirements and provides the skills needed to successfully complete a project, from initial design and application assistance through post-installation measurement, verification and maintenance. For more information, visit www.eaton.com/solar.
Eaton’s electrical business has expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services.
Eaton is a power management company with 2013 sales of $22.0 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help customers manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
