Global electronics giant Apple is planning to construct a solar energy array at its $1bn data centre in Maiden, North Carolina.
According to the Apple Insider webpage, Catawba County has issued permits that allow the company to begin preparation for construction of the facility.
At this stage the company only has an erosion control permit and is expected to release details on its proposal when it applies for building authorisation.
The approved area covers 171 acres of vacant land that Apple recently acquired.
In April 2011, Greenpeace criticised Apple for the use of fossil fuels and having the lowest clean energy index among tech giants including Facebook, IBM, Microsoft and Amazon.