| Implementing Sector | Utility |
|---|---|
| Category | Financial Incentive |
| State | North Carolina |
| Incentive Type | Rebate Program |
| Web Site | https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/renewable-energy/nc-solar-rebates |
| Budget | 20 MW per year |
| Utilities | Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, Progress Energy - Carolinas |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies | Solar Photovoltaics |
| Applicable Sectors | Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government |
| Incentive Amount | Residential: $0.40/W-AC Nonresidential: $0.30/W-AC Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC |
| Maximum Incentive | Residential: $4,000 Nonresidential: $30,000 Nonprofit: $75,000 |
| Eligible System Size | No system size limit, but incentive will only be awarded to the first 10 kW-AC (residential) and 100 kW-AC (nonresidential) |
| Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits | For any customer receiving service under a non-time-of-use demand rate schedule, all RECs are retained by Duke. |
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, and Progress Energy Carolinas, two major utilities operating within North Carolina, have launched a comprehensive solar incentive program designed to encourage the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across a wide range of sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, local government, nonprofit organizations, schools, and state and federal government entities. This initiative is part of a concerted effort to promote renewable energy solutions and make solar installations more financially accessible to a broader audience.
Under this program, both utilities collectively aim to distribute rebates on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 20 megawatts (MW) of new solar PV systems each year. Specifically, each utility has committed to allocating rebates for 10 MW of installations annually. To ensure a broad distribution of benefits, 5,000 kilowatts (kW) of this capacity is earmarked exclusively for residential installations. Among the non-residential categories, 2,500 kW is reserved for nonprofit organizations, recognizing their unique financial challenges and the potential for significant social and environmental impact through renewable energy adoption.
The incentive amounts vary by sector, with residential customers eligible for a rebate of $0.40 per watt AC (alternating current), nonresidential customers receiving $0.30 per watt AC, and nonprofit entities benefiting from a higher rebate rate of $0.75 per watt AC. These rebates are capped at $4,000 for residential systems, $30,000 for nonresidential systems, and an impressive $75,000 for nonprofit organizations, providing a substantial financial boost to offset initial installation costs.
Furthermore, the program stipulates no system size limit for eligibility. However, incentives will only be awarded for the first 10 kW-AC in residential installations and the first 100 kW-AC for nonresidential installations, ensuring the program’s benefits are distributed across as many participants as possible.
A notable aspect of this incentive program is the ownership of renewable energy credits (RECs). For customers receiving service under non-time-of-use demand rate schedules, all RECs generated by the solar PV systems are retained by Duke Energy. This arrangement allows the utility to use these credits towards meeting renewable energy targets and regulatory requirements.
Overall, the Duke Energy solar rebate program represents a significant step forward in North Carolina’s transition towards a more sustainable and renewable energy-powered future. By reducing the financial barrier to solar PV adoption, this program not only supports environmental sustainability but also promotes economic savings and energy independence for North Carolinians across various sectors.
