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MOUNT AIRY, N.C. -- Construction of Mount Airy's first solar farm has begun. Mayberry Solar will generate electricity for Duke Energy and serve hundreds of Mount Airy customers when usage is at its peak.

"It's going to be available to go on to the grid at that period of time every day where usage is at its peak," said Martin Collins with the city of Mount Airy.

City commissioners hope the project will signal that the city, which has seen its traditional industries struggle in past years, is poised for growth.

"Obviously we have a lot to be thankful for in our past, but that we're also looking to the future and that we're a town and city that's looking to grow and looking to be involved with business people that are looking in the same type of forward-looking fashion," said Commissioner Todd Harris.

Mayberry Solar will sit on 32 acres of city-owned land. The $6 million investment by Cornelius-based 02Energies could begin generating electricity by mid-September.

"It's definitely going to be a positive impact to our local economy," said LeeAnn Stokes from the Economic Development Partnership. "And understand, just as we see the site has been cleared and that's created construction jobs and we anticipate more along the way."