2026 Solar and Solar Paired with Storage RFP

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (DEC) and Duke Energy Progress, LLC (DEP) are issuing a request for proposals to procure approximately 770 MW of new solar photovoltaic generating facility resources and solar paired with battery energy storage systems (SPWS). The procurement targets approximately 385 MW of solar-only resources and 385 MW of solar paired with approximately 140 MW of battery energy storage. A minimum of 30 percent of the target (230 MW) must be located in DEC and 30 percent (230 MW) in DEP, subject to volume adjustment mechanisms. The RFP targets approximately 425 MW of Utility Ownership Track (UOT) resources and 350 MW of Controllable PPA Track resources.

Proposals may be submitted under two tracks: Utility Ownership Track (Asset Transfer or Utility-Developed) or Controllable PPA Track (for independent power producers). All facilities must be at least 30 MW AC in DEC or 50 MW AC in DEP, with a single point of interconnection to the DEC or DEP transmission system in North Carolina or South Carolina. Facilities must be capable of achieving commercial operation by December 31, 2031, and be designed and compliant with Duke Energy's Facility Connection Requirements.

For Controllable PPA Track Solar-Only Proposals, bidders must submit levelized dollar per megawatt-hour prices (Part A Price and Part B Price) for a 25-year contract term. For SPWS Controllable PPA Proposals, a fixed $25/MWh energy rate applies for the entire 15-year contract term, with bidders submitting fixed dollar per kilowatt-year capacity prices (Part C Price and Part D Price). All SPWS facilities must utilize lithium-ion battery storage sized at 35-40 percent of maximum export capacity with a minimum 4-hour duration discharge capability. Battery storage must be AC-connected and capable of being charged from both co-located solar generation and the DEC/DEP power grid, with full operational control granted to the utility.

Key dates include bid window opening on July 2, 2026, with proposals due by August 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT. A Notice of Intent to Respond is recommended but not required. The RFP includes a cure period from August 6-31, 2026 for non-conforming proposals. Step 1 evaluation occurs from September 1 through November 8, 2026, with short-list projects notified by November 9, 2026. Step 2 proposal security is due approximately 10 business days after Step 2 notification (approximately November 23, 2026). A bid refresh is required on or about January 14, 2027. RSC Phase 1 studies occur from approximately December 7, 2026 through March 5, 2027. Finalists are projected to be notified on March 17, 2027, with a contracting period from March 18 through April 16, 2027.