Overview
Century Drive Solar Farm is a 1 MW operational solar PV facility in the United States, owned by J.T. Hobby and Son, Inc. It contributes to local renewable energy generation.
Century Drive Solar Farm is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United States, with coordinates near Raleigh, North Carolina. The plant has an operational capacity of 1 megawatt (MW), placing it in the small-scale category for utility solar installations. It is owned by J.T. Hobby and Son, Inc., a private company. 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 and energy efficiency portfolio standard requiring investor-owned utilities to meet a portion of their energy needs from renewable sources. Solar PV is the dominant renewable technology in the state, supported by federal investment tax credits and net metering policies. As a small-scale solar farm, Century Drive Solar Farm contributes to local grid stability and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Its environmental significance lies in displacing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting North Carolina's transition to cleaner energy. The facility's location in the southeastern US benefits from high solar irradiance, ensuring efficient energy production.
Environmental context
Solar PV facilities like Century Drive Solar Farm have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no emissions or water consumption. However, land use for solar arrays can impact local ecosystems and agriculture. In the southeastern US, where this facility is located, solar farms are often built on previously disturbed land to minimize habitat disruption. The region's high solar resource makes it ideal for solar energy generation, supporting grid decarbonization.
Frequently asked questions
Century Drive Solar Farm is located in the United States, near Raleigh, North Carolina, at coordinates 35.8378 N, -78.6689 W.
Century Drive Solar Farm has an installed capacity of 1 megawatt (MW), making it a small-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
Century Drive Solar Farm is owned by J.T. Hobby and Son, Inc., a private company based in the United States.
Solar farms in the US operate under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides tax credits, and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). North Carolina's RPS requires utilities to source a portion of electricity from renewables.
Small solar PV farms have minimal operational emissions and water use. Their main environmental consideration is land use, which can be mitigated by siting on previously developed or low-value agricultural land.