CleanChoice Energy Expands Into North Carolina With 222.2 MWdc Solar Acquisition, Tripling Its Generation Capacity

CleanChoice Energy, the first company in the U.S. to offer a true “farm-to-table” clean energy model by both owning renewable energy facilities and supplying 100% clean electricity directly to customers, has announced its expansion into North Carolina. The company has acquired two major solar projects located in Halifax County and Bertie County. Together, these projects will produce 222.2 MWdc of clean energy, which is enough to supply power to approximately 130,000 homes each year.

This acquisition represents a significant step in the growth of CleanChoice’s energy generation business. By adding the Sumac Project in Bertie County and the Sweetleaf Project in Halifax County, the company will increase its total generation capacity to 331.99 MW—tripling its current output. CleanChoice already operates a solar facility in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, which is connected to the PJM electric grid. It is also building additional projects in Kylertown, Pennsylvania, as well as in Washington County and Rensselaer County in New York. The move into North Carolina strengthens the company’s reach into the Southeast and marks its largest set of projects so far.

According to Zoë Gamble, President of CleanChoice, the Sumac and Sweetleaf projects are an important step toward CleanChoice becoming a fully integrated clean energy company—one that develops, owns, and directly delivers renewable electricity to customers. As electricity use continues to grow across the country, the company is focused on investing in high-capacity solar systems that can improve grid reliability, increase the domestic supply of clean energy, and make locally produced, pollution-free power accessible to more households.

Construction on the Sumac and Sweetleaf projects is planned for early 2027, with interconnection to the PJM grid expected in 2028. When completed, the Sumac Project will generate 103.92 MWdc, while the Sweetleaf Project will generate 118.3 MWdc. Both will feed electricity into the regional PJM grid, supporting growing demand in the area. CleanChoice also emphasized its long-standing commitment to building solar projects responsibly and with respect for local communities. The company will invest a total of $350,000 in initiatives that support the areas surrounding the two North Carolina sites. These funds will go toward food banks, schools, scholarships, educational programs, and other local needs.

Environmentally mindful development will be a key part of these projects. Both sites will follow CleanChoice’s ecovoltaics approach, which incorporates design and construction practices that support surrounding ecosystems. Measures include using wildlife-friendly fencing, avoiding any clearing of existing forests, implementing erosion and sediment controls to protect nearby wetlands and streams, and working with independent environmental consultants to ensure the projects do not disturb land that may support protected species or sensitive habitats.

The Sumac and Sweetleaf projects are being acquired from Geenex, a well-known developer of utility-scale solar energy. Geenex began work on these sites in 2017. Emily Williams, CEO of Geenex, stated that these projects reflect years of strategic planning aimed at contributing reliable, high-capacity renewable energy to the PJM grid. She highlighted that as demand for electricity continues to rise, it is important for well-planned and community-supported projects to advance efficiently from development to construction. Geenex expressed pride in moving the projects to this stage and partnering with CleanChoice to help support the region’s expanding clean energy needs.