Duke Energy completes 17MW solar plant at Indiana naval base

May 19, 2017
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Left to right: Duke Energy Indiana president Melody Birmingham-Byrd, Commander Timothy Craddock, lieutenant governor Suzanne Crouch; John Kleim, executive director, Department of the Navy’s Resilient Energy Programme Office. Source: Duke Energy

North Carolina’s Duke Energy has completed a 17MW solar plant at the US Navy’s Support Activity (NSA) Crane facility in Indiana.

Duke Energy will own and provide O&M services for the plant, which is just south of Bloomington and comprised of 76,000 PV modules spread over a 59 hectare site.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Yesterday, the Navy lieutenant governor Suzanne Crouch joined officials from Duke Energy to cut the ribbon at the plant. However, Duke has been planning the facility since 2016. In exchange for providing the land for the project, NSA Crane will receive in-kind consideration in the form of electrical infrastructure upgrades, such as a motor-operated disconnect switch, and a microgrid feasibility study.

“This solar power plant helps provide our customers with a more balanced energy mix using both traditional fuel sources and renewable energy sources,” said Melody Birmingham-Byrd, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “We are pleased to partner with the Navy on a project that will deliver clean energy to Indiana customers, and improved energy security for the Navy.”

“The solar project at Naval Support Activity Crane will serve as a catalyst for future energy infrastructure projects for the Navy, as well as bringing greater energy management to our state, spurring innovation and growth,” added Crouch.

Read Next

November 7, 2025
JA Solar has signed a module supply agreement with EPC contractor Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for two utility-scale projects in Uzbekistan. 
November 7, 2025
Saatvik Green Energy, through its subsidiary Saatvik Solar Industries, secured solar PV module orders worth INR2.99 billion (US$33.7 million). 
November 7, 2025
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has released the 2025 List of Critical Minerals, which includes silicon and tellurium.
November 7, 2025
Members of the European Parliament are urging the European Commission to restrict Chinese solar inverter manufacturers’ access to the bloc’s energy infrastructure, due to cybersecurity concerns.
November 7, 2025
Renewables asset fund Alantra Solar has secured €355 million to support the development and construction of five solar PV projects in Italy.
November 7, 2025
Independent power producer (IPP) Matrix Renewables has completed the construction of a 284MW solar PV plant in Texas.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
November 12, 2025
10am PST / 1pm EST
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal