By Kari Williamson

The solar PV rooftop array will consist of 5376 Canadian Solar modules, which produce 235 W each and will cover 175,122 ft² of rooftop space. This project is expected to produce nearly 1.7 GWh annually when it is completed this month. The project has already secured a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Progress Energy.

ESA will build, operate, maintain the solar PV rooftop system and install its monitoring system to monitor operation of the array for the 20-year term of the PPA contract.

"ESA is delighted to take a leading role in the adoption of solar power in New Bern," says Jeffrey Burkett, President of ESA Renewables. "Renewable energy projects such as this rooftop solar array boost economic development, create jobs and have a positive impact on our environment."