Mortenson Construction, a leading renewable energy contractor, was responsible for design and engineering services as well as the installation of the equipment, which includes Trina modules, SMA inverters and Northern States Metal Solar FlexRack racking systems. Birdseye Renewable Energy, based in Charlotte, worked closely with MP2 Capital to assist with the development of the project.
The 2.5 MW system, the largest solar array constructed in Scotland County, will generate approximately 3,600,000 kilowatt hours of clean electricity during the first year of operation. All of the electricity and the environmental attributes (in the form of renewable energy certificates, or RECs) will be sold to Progress Energy Carolinas under a 20 year power purchase agreement (PPA). Over the life of this PPA, the solar array is expected to produce approximately 70 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity.
Mark Lerdal, chief executive officer of MP2 Capital noted that the commercial operation of this Laurinburg solar array is a very exciting event for our firm as it represents the first of hopefully several operating projects for us in North Carolina. The partnership approach to working with Birdseye and Mortenson was a key element to achieving a smooth and efficient construction process. We are also very enthused about our first opportunity to work with Progress Energy and we applaud them for their forward-thinking approach to promoting renewable energy within their coverage territories.
We are very pleased to have partnered with MP2 Capital on such a successful project. Not only were we able to hire 90% of the workforce from local labor, but we were also able to get the project online ahead of schedule and with zero injuries, said Mark Donahue, general manager and vice president of Mortenson Renewable Energy Groups. The projects success is directly attributable to our highly collaborative approach and commitment to open communication.
"This project is the product of close collaboration between Progress Energy, MP2 Capital, Birdseye, the City of Laurinburg, Scotland County and Mortenson. We are grateful for the support from the City of Laurinburg and Scotland County in promoting renewable energy in the region," said Brian C. Bednar, president of Birdseye Renewable Energy.
