Duke Energy is giving non-residential customers the option to install solar power on their properties, according to a company release.

The company recently filed to be a certified solar lessor with the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

With more than 20 wind farms and 80 solar facilities, Duke Energy is one of the largest renewable energy companies in the United States. Thirty-five of these facilities are located in North Carolina.

Duke Energy Clean Energy Resources, a non-regulated affiliate of Duke Energy, will operate the on-site solar facilities. DECER is not supported financially by Duke Energy Carolinas or Duke Energy Progress.

“Customers want more solar power for their operations, but the large upfront investment can be an obstacle,” said Rob Caldwell, president of Duke Energy Renewables and Distributed Energy Technology, in the release. “Through DECER, we will be competing to provide customers a turnkey solar solution to meet their renewable energy goals, while managing the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility.”

Caldwell also hopes DECER will draw in businesses and primarily use local solar construction and maintenance companies to work on these projects.

Companies will be able to ask for solar facilities up to roughly 100 times the size of a typical home, with an agreement that could last up to 20 years. The customers will be able to use 100 percent of electrical output of the facilities, and DECER will manage ongoing maintenance and operations.

The ability to provide these services was in last year’s Competitive Energy Solutions for North Carolina law, also known as HB 589. Duke Energy must receive approval from NCUC before beginning operations in North Carolina.

The company can already offer these services in South Carolina.