Solar Farms in Western North Carolina: Current Landscape & Future Prospects          

Western North Carolina is increasingly embracing solar energy as a viable and sustainable power source.

With a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy, the region has seen significant growth in solar farm installations. This article explores the current landscape of solar farms in WNC and delves into future plans for additional solar projects.

Current Solar Farms in Western North Carolina

Western North Carolina, characterized by its mountainous terrain and scenic beauty, has several notable solar farms contributing to the region's renewable energy efforts. While large-scale solar farms are more prevalent in the flatter regions of the state, WNC boasts several key installations:

Candler Solar Farm: Located near Asheville, this farm is one of the more significant solar installations in the region. It serves as a model for sustainable energy production in a region known for its challenging topography.

Mills River Solar Farm: Situated in Mills River, this solar farm is another vital component of WNC's renewable energy portfolio. Its strategic location allows it to harness ample sunlight while providing clean energy to the local grid.

Buncombe County Solar Farm: Part of a broader initiative by Buncombe County, this farm includes multiple smaller installations spread across the county, collectively contributing to the county’s sustainability goals.

Haywood Community College Solar Array: Although primarily an educational installation, the solar array at Haywood Community College in Clyde also feeds renewable energy into the local grid, serving both educational and practical purposes.
Asheville Regional Airport Solar Farm: This installation powers the airport and nearby facilities, showcasing the versatility of solar energy in supporting various infrastructure needs.
Community Solar Projects and Private Installations
In addition to these larger farms, WNC is home to numerous community solar projects and private installations:

Blue Ridge Community College Solar Array: Located in Flat Rock, this educational installation supports both learning and

energy production.

Hendersonville Community Solar Garden: A community-driven project in Hendersonville that provides shared solar power to local residents and businesses.
Warren Wilson College Solar Farm: Near Swannanoa, this farm supports the college’s ambitious sustainability goals.

Green Opportunities’ Community Solar Garden: An Asheville-based project aimed at increasing local access to renewable energy.

Private companies are also contributing to the solar landscape. Notable installations include the solar arrays at Sierra Nevada Brewery in Mills River and New Belgium Brewing in Asheville, both of which underscore the commitment of local businesses to sustainability.

Future Plans for Solar Expansion
The future of solar energy in WNC looks promising, with several new projects and expansions on the horizon:

Duke Energy’s Expansion Plans: Duke Energy is actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio across North Carolina, including WNC. Their projects aim to significantly increase solar capacity in the region, aligning with state and local sustainability goals.

Buncombe County Renewable Energy Goals: Buncombe County has set ambitious targets to use 100% renewable energy for county operations by 2030. This initiative includes developing new solar farms and expanding existing ones.

Asheville’s Renewable Energy Projects: The City of Asheville is proactive in its sustainability efforts, planning additional solar installations on municipal buildings and exploring larger solar farm projects to support the city’s renewable energy targets.

Community Solar Initiatives: Various local governments and community organizations are exploring new community solar projects. These initiatives allow residents and businesses to invest in shared solar farms, providing broader access to renewable energy.

Private Sector Investments: Several private companies and institutions are planning to expand their solar energy use.

Businesses in the tech and brewing industries, which have a significant presence in WNC, are increasingly investing in solar projects.

Western North Carolina is at the forefront of the renewable energy movement, with a growing number of solar farms and a strong commitment to future expansion. The region’s unique landscape presents challenges, but innovative projects and a dedicated community are driving significant progress. As state incentives and technological advancements continue to make solar energy more accessible, WNC is poised to become a leader in sustainable energy, setting an example for other regions to follow.

WNCTimes

Image Credit: WNCTimes