The RUS Electric Program fosters sustainable and vibrant rural communities by investing in expanding and modernizing the electric infrastructure and revitalizing local economic development by unleashing the benefits of renewable resources and energy efficiency.  In FY 2015, the RUS Electric Program provided loans to six renewable energy projects serving rural communities in North Carolina.  All six projects generate electricity using solar photovoltaics.  The RUS Electric Program invested a total of $52.7 million to bring 45 MW of solar derived electricity to rural areas of North Carolina.  Solar projects funded include the 20 MW project developed by Montgomery Solar Owner, LLC which was the largest solar loan approved by the Electric Program to date.  Cirrus Solar and Chocowinity Solar each developed a 5 MW solar project.  Developer, O2 EMC received RUS loans for three solar projects, each sized at 5 MW.  The RUS Electric Program recognizes that renewable resources are typically located near rural and remote areas and encourages the development of renewable energy projects that can create wealth in rural communities and promote local economic development.