Recently, the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) approved a rate modification for solar customers in the state. This has a major impact on people living in North Carolina who want to use the utility grid managed by Duke Energy for energy storage through a process called net metering. The regulations for rooftop solar payments have been in effect since 2000, and in 2017 and 2021, the NC Legislature passed laws requiring state regulators to update them.
The North Carolina Rooftop Solar Installers (NCRSI) and Duke Energy intervened in the NCUC net-metering case and negotiated a settlement that prevented a sharp decline in the value of solar for NC solar customers. This “Stipulation” was approved and gives solar consumers the option of a bridge rate during the changeover period.
The main driving force behind these legislative reforms is the growing allure of solar as an investment and an answer to the climate crisis. Despite efforts to slow down customer generation of electricity, many homeowners are still investing in solar to save money on rising electricity costs, reduce personal taxes with the 30% ITC, and participate in the fight against climate change.
The solar industry is adamant about establishing consumer protections for residents of North Carolina. According to the NCUC’s order, Duke must develop an online calculator within 60 days after that date. This calculator will give an exact estimate of the electrical and financial return for systems created for a given site.
It looks like the time to go solar in North Carolina is right now. Homeowners have the opportunity to protect themselves from present and future rate adjustments while reaping the benefits of solar. To support CleanTechnica and our team, please chip in a bit monthly via PayPal or Patreon to help us do what we do!
FAQ
Q1. How electric car batteries work?
A1. Electric car batteries are typically lithium-ion batteries that store energy and power the motor. They are recharged by plugging the car into an electric outlet or charging station.
Q2. What electric car has the longest range?
A2. The Tesla Model S has the longest range of any electric car currently on the market, with a range of up to 370 miles on a single charge.
Q3. How electric car batteries are recycled?
A3. Electric car batteries are recycled by breaking them down into their component parts and then separating out the metals, plastics, and other materials for reuse. The metals are melted down and reused in new products, while the plastics and other materials are recycled into new products.