Chatham County Deepens Its Commitment as Chatham County solar program Expands with 3 Amazing New Projects
In a significant step toward its ambitious sustainability targets, Chatham County is bolstering its renewable energy portfolio. The county’s comprehensive strategy aims to achieve 100% renewable energy for all government operations by 2030, and recent initiatives are set to push its total solar capacity to approximately 9 megawatts.
Furthering this vision, the county is exploring installations that would add a combined 700 kilowatts of power. Key sites under consideration for this expansion include rooftop solar arrays at the Chatham County Detention Center and the Animal Shelter, alongside a new ground-mounted system at the Solid Waste and Recycling Center.
“Solar energy is vital for our operations and our long-term sustainability goals,” explained Ashley Duval, the county’s sustainability manager, highlighting the strategic importance of these efforts. “These new installations are another step toward reducing our carbon footprint and promoting clean energy in Chatham County.”
A Legacy of Solar Innovation as Chatham County solar program Expands with 3 Amazing New Projects
Chatham County’s dedication to solar power is not new; it has been a regional leader for over a decade. In 2010, it made history as the first county in North Carolina to install solar panels on government buildings. This long-term commitment culminated in the 2021 completion of a 3.7-megawatt large-scale solar farm at the local landfill, an installation that generates over 5 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity each year.
The energy produced by this farm is sold to Duke Energy under the Green Source Advantage (GSA) program. This arrangement allows the county to generate revenue and acquire renewable energy credits, effectively offsetting its own electricity consumption. County Manager Dan LaMontagne emphasized the dual benefits of this model. “Selling the electricity to Duke Energy through the GSA program not only supports our sustainability goals, but it also provides a financial return,” LaMontagne said. “This is a win-win for the environment and our taxpayers.”
Pioneering a Sustainable Future with Chatham County solar program Expands with 3 Amazing New Projects
The expansion of its solar program is a cornerstone of Chatham County’s broader sustainability platform, which also includes robust initiatives in energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. By continuously investing in renewable solutions, the county not only reduces its reliance on fossil fuels but also sets a powerful example for other communities across the state and nation.
While the 2030 goal remains ambitious, these strategic projects demonstrate a clear and determined path forward. Through a combination of large-scale generation, distributed rooftop systems, and sound financial planning, Chatham County is solidifying its reputation as a leader in creating a sustainable and resilient future.
Sources
- Resources – Carolinas Renewable Energy Development …
- How the “Big, Beautiful Bill” Will Impact North Carolina …
- Clean Energy Initiative in North Carolina
- Resilience and Well-Being
- 2025 Submittals | Chatham County, NC
- Energy | Chatham County, NC
- 2025 Climate Strategy Report | NC DEQ
- Chatham County Moves Toward Solar – Alert from NC WARN
- Solarize Carrboro | Carrboro, NC – Official Website
