Charlotte, N.C.-based O2 Energies Inc. plans to build the 4.5 MW Progress Solar I project in Bunn, N.C. The 46-acre field will also be home to a free-range sheep and lamb farm.
Progress Solar I initially will be a test site for herd-management best practices on a solar farm. The partners' ultimate goal is to create a model for future collaborative efforts that marry solar energy production and agriculture in rural sections of the southeastern U.S.
O2 Energies Inc. will own and operate the project. Southern Energy Management-PowerSecure (the business unit that formed when Southern Energy Management sold its industrial and large commercial solar services business unit to PowerSecure International earlier this month) is serving as general contractor. Construction at the Bunn site will begin after the wheat crop is harvested, according to the companies.
