'Duke is a transformational partnership for REC Solar'

In February California-based REC Solar, a leading player in the US commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop solar market, was majority acquired by Duke Energy, the largest electric utility in the nation.

Duke's investment reflects growing optimism about the C&I sector, which has been outshone in recent years by the faster-growing residential market.

A number of big players in the residential sector are pressing hard into the C&I market, including SolarCity and Vivint Solar.