North Carolina Solar PV Distributed Generation Program Harnessing the Power of the Sun
Duke Energy customers show their support of renewable energy and protect the environment in a variety of ways. Our customers in North Carolina can now add another way to that list – the N.C. Solar PV Distributed Generation Program.
Following a decision by the N.C. Utilities Commission in May 2009, Duke Energy is moving forward with plans to install electricity-generating mini solar power plants at up to 225 sites in North Carolina over the next two years.
About the Solar Program
Duke Energy’s solar initiative will be among the nation’s first and largest demonstrations of distributed generation, in which electricity is produced at numerous micro generating sites rather than at a large, centralized, traditional power plant.
Solar panels will be installed on the roofs and grounds of homes, schools, office buildings, shopping malls, warehouses and industrial plants.
Duke Energy will own and maintain the solar panels during their expected 25-year lifespan, as well as the electricity generated. The company will pay a rental fee to property owners for the use of their roofs or land, based on the size of the installation and amount of electricity generated.
Site Selection
A number of Duke Energy customers have already submitted requests to become a solar host in our pilot program. We’re evaluating large nonresidential sites first, to determine which locations will be included in the project. Site selections for both roof and ground installations will be divided into three phases:
- Phase 1 selections are complete and we have chosen seven large nonresidential customers that best meet the program’s criteria. We plan to begin installations at these sites by December 2009.
- Phase 2 will begin in mid-September 2009. During this time, we will be considering both roof and ground mount installations for additional large (installations between 250 kW to 1 MW) and mid-size nonresidential customers (installations between 25 kW to 250 kW). Due to the limited nature of the program, we will select fewer than 20 customers as host sites for this phase and make notifications by late fall 2009. Installations are expected to be completed by December 2010.
- Phase 3 will begin with notifications to residential customers in mid-November 2009. Installations are expected to start in the first quarter of 2010 and be completed by December 2010.
Do I Qualify?
Due to exceptionally high interest in the program, we’ve reached our limit for nonresidential applicants. However we are still accepting requests for residential sites.
If you’re interested and meet the initial criteria below, you can still complete our online form to submit your name as a potential host site. We will make every effort to accommodate your request.
- You are a Duke Energy Carolinas residential customer located in North Carolina.
- You own the home or property.
- The roof being considered is five years old or less.
- The area being considered for solar panels is not shaded from the sun by trees or other obstructions.
Questions? Send us an e-mail at solarhost@duke-energy.com.
