Solar Power

NCDAC is striving to meet the Energy Use Index reduction goals of NC Executive Order 80, demonstrating the state's dedication to combating climate change and transitioning towards a clean energy economy. 

Our efforts include two solar power projects currently underway at our facilities.

Tabor Correctional Institution 

Construction is complete on a 500-kilowatt solar energy project at Tabor Correctional and the solar array is expected to go online this summer. The installation of 1440 photovoltaic panels on 1.35 acres involved a complex construction process, including site preparation, trenching for electrical connections, installing underground conduit for electrical connections, panel mounting, rack and inverter installation, and integration with the facility’s existing electrical infrastructure. 

The system is expected to generate approximately 875 Megawatt-hours annually - offsetting Tabor’s energy consumption and reducing its carbon footprint. The solar project is part of a larger Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract, which s projected to generate more than $60 million in guaranteed energy savings over the next 20 years.

Read the press release from the Tabor Solar Array Groundbreaking Day event.

See our photo library of the progress here.

Bertie Correctional Institution

Through a $500,000 grant from the NC Department of Environmental Quality, NCDAC will install a 125-kilowatt solar array that will reduce annual electricity use by 186,000 kilowatt hours and save $8,000-$15,810 annually. 

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For more information, contact Paul Braese, PE, PEM, LEED AP, Sustainability, Efficiency and Resilience Program Manager, Paul.Braese@dac.nc.gov