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Progress Energy A Top Producer Of Solar Power Nationwide

One of Progress Energy's solar energy farms.
Duke Energy
/
Progress Energy

The North Carolina utility company is among the nations leaders in solar production. Last year the utility company produced almost 70 megawatts of new solar generating capacity. The (SEPA) says that’s the 8th highest output of all U.S. utility companies.

In the last few years the cost of producing solar has dropped by 80%.  In addition to cheaper costs, Progress was required to have at least three percent of its retail sales come from renewable energy sources. New state standards will mandate that that figure climb to 12.5% by the year 2021.

The solar energy that Progress produces is sold to other companies as a wholesale purchase. As a state North Carolina was 5th in renewable energy production, behind California, Nevada, Arizona and New Jersey. 

Jeff Tiberii is the co-host of app's "Due South." Jeff joined app in 2011. During his 20 years in public radio, he was Morning Edition Host at WFDD and app’s Greensboro Bureau Chief and later, the Capitol Bureau Chief. Jeff has covered state and federal politics, produced the radio documentary “Right Turn,” launched a podcast, and was named North Carolina Radio Reporter of the Year four times.
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