In a letter dated Aug. 21, Duke Energy Managing Director of Federal Policy Diane Denton told U.S. trade officials that a tariff on imported solar modules would raise the price of projects by 30% or more, “and that demand for modules would contract, perhaps even precipitously.”
In its North Carolina service territory, Duke is a leader in solar energy. In the last five years, the utility has procured and invested in approximately 800 MW of solar generating facilities, with more than 250 MW in its regulated footprint. Duke’s decision to insert itself into the debate highlights the extent to which the utility sector is supportive of growing renewables.
