Carolina Cat Power Systems, a leading provider of rental, service, parts and sales of power generation equipment, is completing the final stages of construction for a new 10-acre solar farm in Shelby, N.C. The site will contain 9,828 panels and produce 3 megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 250 homes, which will be procured by Duke Energy and added back to the North Carolina power grid.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the renewable energy movement, especially when it’s in our own backyard,” said Edward Weinsigner Jr., CEO of Carolina Cat Power Systems. “We’ve had the privilege of serving the equipment needs of the Carolinas for over 85 years, and this project marks our continued service in the construction, utility and road-building industries.”
Carolina Cat Power Systems worked closely with local and national organizations to make this green energy initiative happen, the company said. Syncarpha Capital supported CCPS across the project lifecycle, from acquisition, to financing and development, to commercialization. Yingli Solar provided the solar panels, W8 Moore built the electrical systems, and Gehrlicher Solar America Corp. provided contracting services. Carolina Cat Rental Store provided Caterpillar construction equipment to grade and prepare the land for installation. The group worked with Dicey Mills to clear trees to reduce shade on the panels.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources as well as the City of Shelby helped with planning, permitting and zoning. Power Products & Solutions will manage the system maintenance.
North Carolina ranks third in the United States with respect to the amount of solar power on the state’s grid, in part because of a state law mandating that by the year 2020, one eighth of all power produced by Duke Energy must come from renewable energy.
“By using renewable energy, reducing waste and preserving our natural resources, we are helping to protect our planet, now and for generations to come,” said Mike Brown, Carolina Cat Power Systems general manager.
