Governor Perdue Visits SAS Solar Farm

On Thursday, Gov. Perdue toured the SAS Solar Farm in Cary, which was completed last December. The farm's 5,040 solar panels, which swivel to track the sun across the sky, generate 1 megawatt of electric power at peak and is projected to produce 1.7 million KWH per year and eliminate 1,600 tons of carbon emissions annually.

The solar field occupies 4.8 acres of land, which also serves as a pasture for Dorper Sheep; they are shorter than other breeds and therefore able to graze beneath the panels. You can see them in the background of the photo below.

Gov. Perdue also took this opportunity to announce reforms to strengthen NC's green economy. According to a press release by her office, her energy plan refocuses state energy policymaking, makes strategic investments in North Carolina’s green economy and increases green-collar workforce development. More specifically, the governor said she plans to use about $35 million in federal stimulus funds to improve work force training in higher education, boost grants and create loans for small businesses in emerging green energy fields. Funds will also be used to improve energy efficiency in businesses, homes and other buildings.