(CHARLOTTE) -- One of the largest solar farms in North Carolina is now in operation in Cleveland County.  The facility in Kings Mountain can generate enough electricity to power over 600 average-sized homes.

Under a 20-year contract, Duke Energy Carolinas will purchase all of the energy and renewable energy credits generated from the  Kings Mountain Solar plant. The facility was developed by Chapel Hill-based Strata Solar.

"Kings Mountain Solar and Strata's ongoing development of utility-scale solar farms is an excellent example of how sustainability has transformed into a mainstream economic force, resulting in an explosion of longterm job creation across the state," said Markus Wilhelm, chief executive officer of Strata Solar.

"North Carolina is a leader in solar energy, and Kings Mountain Solar demonstrates our company's commitment to using solar energy to meet general renewable energy compliance requirements," said Brett Carter, president, Duke Energy North Carolina.