Leeward Renewable Energy has completed construction of its 100 MW Oak Trail Solar project near Moyock, North Carolina with the support of Verizon Communications, under a long-term virtual purchase agreement.
Leeward Renewable Energy and the American Clean Power Association (ACP) partnered to inaugurate the facility. They announced that the project site has commenced operations and highlighted the benefits of Oak Trail Solar for the local community.
“Oak Trail Solar is another example of how LRE seeks to meaningfully contribute to the communities where we live and operate.” said Jason Allen, LRE’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our engagement goes well beyond job creation, economic investment, and the generation of clean, renewable energy.”
The project not only helped create approximately 300 jobs in the construction phase but will also deliver renewable energy jobs and property tax contributions to Currituck County. According to the company, 30% of the project land will be filled with native vegetation and wildflowers used for pollinator habitat, screening, and other ecological benefits.
The facility utilized First Solar photovoltaic solar modules, which use less energy, water, and semiconductor material in their manufacturing and are designed to have a longer life as compared to its alternatives. The project with Nextracker’s solar tracker and software technology not only enhanced energy capture and reliability features to protect the solar panels but also reduced the adverse effects of extreme weather.
“The renewable energy produced by Oak Trail Solar furthers Verizon’s commitment to protecting our planet and transitioning to a greener U.S. energy grid,” said Verizon SVP, Global Supply Chain & Sourcing, and Chief Sustainability Officer, Jim Gowen.
