Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Solar Farm, North Carolina

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The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) built a solar farm adjacent to the south of the Cherokee Valley River Casino near Murphy, North Carolina. The photovoltaic (PV) system contains 2,016 solar panels that generate 705 kilowatts (kW), supplying energy for the casino, a hotel, and two administrative buildings. Because the solar PV array is located on tribally owned property, no additional right of way was required. The project offers energy savings to the tribe, tribal members, rural electric companies, Murphy, and surrounding communities. It supports the EBCI’s commitment to ensure the wise use of limited natural resources, help maintain affordable, reliable electricity service, and strengthen the Tribe’s sovereignty while enhancing quality of life for more than 16,000 community members. The solar farm was funded by a $1 million grant from the United States and a $1.36 million investment from the tribe. The system is expected to generate over 1 million kWh for an estimated annual savings of nearly $100,000, based on a blended electrical rate of $0.0984/kWh.

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