Overhead view of the solar farm powering the Cherokee Valley River Casino, a hotel, and two administrative buildings.
Source: Credit to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)
| Project Name | Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Solar System |
|---|---|
| Location | Murphy, North Carolina |
| Project Sponsor / Borrower | Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) |
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| Value Capture Techniques | Solar Energy Use, ROW Use Agreements, & Private Contribution |
| Mode | Other: Solar Farm |
| Description | 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. |
| Cost | $2.36 million |
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| Project Delivery / Contract Method | Design-Build-Operate-Maintain (DBOM) Solar PV Array and training the tribe members to install, operate, & maintain the system |
| Private Partner | Siemens |
| Project Advisors / Consultants |
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| Lenders | N/A |
| Duration / Status | Project conception occurred in September 2017 and finished three years later in September 2020. |
| Financial Status / Financial Performance | The Office of Indian Energy awarded a $1 million grant supplementing the Tribe’s $1.3 million investment in the project. |
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| Related Links / Articles | |
| Contacts | Chris Greene |
