Duke Solar Plant Operational
Plainfield-based Duke Energy Indiana has begun commercial service at its first large-scale solar power plant at Naval Support Activity Crane. The $41 million facility consists of about 76,000 solar panels and can generate up to 17 megawatts of power.
The plant sits on about 145 acres of land leads to Duke Energy by the Department of the Navy. The utility says the plant can send clean, renewable energy to customers throughout its 69-county service area.
"This is a landmark development in renewable energy for our company and our customers," said Melody Birmingham-Byrd, state president of Duke Energy Indiana. "It demonstrates our continuing commitment to include renewable energy, such as solar, wind and hydro, in our diversified portfolio of generation sources."
Duke Energy says, when operating at full capacity, the plant can provide electricity for more than 2,700 average size homes. It is the largest solar power plant in the Duke Energy Indiana system and the second-largest in the state.
The facility was first announced in January 2016 and received approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in July.
Duke Energy spokesman Lew Middleton says alternative energy is a growing focus for the utility.