Duke Energy acquires 55 MW of solar plants from SunPower

Duke Energy Renewables has announced it has acquired three solar power projects from SunPower Corp. totaling 55 MW.

The sites include the 20-MW Rio Bravo I, the 20-MW Rio Bravo II, and the 15-MW Wildwood Solar II solar power plants. They are located in Kern County, California, adjacent to two existing solar sites owned by Duke Energy Renewables.

The acquisition was completed in late December, the same month the facilities were placed in service. Southern California Edison is purchasing the power generated by the plants under 20-year agreements. The sites consist of high-efficiency SunPower solar panels.

Rob Caldwell, president, Duke Energy Renewables and Distributed Energy Technology said: 

"These solar projects are excellent facilities that increase our solar presence in California by 50 percent. As we continue to grow our footprint in the state, we're pleased to provide cost-efficient, sustainable power systems that contribute to California's leadership in renewable energy."

Ty Daul, SunPower senior vice president, Americas Power Plants said:

"Forward-thinking utilities today are diversifying their energy portfolio with increasing amounts of solar capacity. We are proud to partner with Duke Energy to serve more California customers with affordable, emission free solar power generated from these facilities."