Overview
Atkinson Solar II is a 1.9 MW solar PV facility in North Carolina, United States, owned by Atkinson Solar II LLC. The plant is operational and contributes to the state's renewable energy portfolio.
Atkinson Solar II is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in North Carolina, United States, with a capacity of 1.9 megawatts (MW). The plant is owned by Atkinson Solar II LLC and is currently operational, adding to the region's renewable energy generation capacity. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). North Carolina has a renewable energy target requiring utilities to source a portion of their electricity from renewables, supporting projects like Atkinson Solar II. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and at this scale, the plant is considered small to medium-sized. Environmentally, the plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar PV facilities have minimal operational emissions but require land use for panel installation. The facility's location in North Carolina benefits from moderate solar insolation, supporting consistent energy generation. Its grid integration helps diversify the local energy mix and enhance energy security.
Environmental context
Solar PV facilities like Atkinson Solar II have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no direct emissions. However, land use for panel arrays can impact local ecosystems and visual landscapes. In North Carolina, solar development is encouraged under state renewable energy policies, balancing energy needs with environmental considerations. The facility's small scale minimizes habitat disruption while contributing to clean energy goals.
Frequently asked questions
Atkinson Solar II is located in North Carolina, United States, with coordinates approximately 34.897° N, -77.792° W.
Atkinson Solar II has a capacity of 1.9 megawatts (MW), making it a small to medium-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
Atkinson Solar II is owned by Atkinson Solar II LLC, a company specializing in renewable energy projects.
Solar energy in the United States is supported by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides tax incentives, and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that mandate renewable energy generation.
Solar PV technology generates electricity without direct emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It also has minimal water usage compared to conventional power plants.