Duke Energy NC Solar Rebate Program for Homes

Key Takeaways

The latest information about the Duke Energy NC Solar Rebate Program for homes is as follows:

• Duke Energy customers in North Carolina will soon have access to rebates worth up to $9,000 for home solar and battery systems.
• In May 2024, Duke Energy is opening applications to the PowerPair pilot program that offers a one-time incentive for residential solar and battery installations.
• Pairing solar with battery storage provides backup power during grid outages and can improve the economic benefits of home solar given the state’s recent cuts to net metering compensation.
• The PowerPair pilot will be open to 60,000 kW of solar capacity which will serve a minimum of 6,000 households.
• The incentive only applies to new solar AND battery systems. Solar-only and battery-only systems do not qualify.
• The system can be leased or owned.
• The program does not limit your system size, however, a maximum of 10 kW of solar and 13.5 kWh of battery qualify for the incentive.
• Upgrades to existing solar + battery systems do not qualify.
• Recently installed systems are eligible if they were completed within 90 days of submitting your PowerPair application.
• The system must be operational within 270 days of receiving a PowerPair reservation notice.
• There are two options in the program: PowerPair and PowerPair + EnergyWise Battery Control.
• The maximum rebate amount for PowerPair is $9,000.

*Please note that this information is current as of May 5, 2024, and may change in the future. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official Duke Energy website or contact them directly.

Duke Energy’s PowerPair Solar Rebate Program: A Bright Opportunity for North Carolina Homeowners

Duke Energy has unveiled an exciting new opportunity for North Carolina homeowners looking to embrace clean energy and save on their utility bills. The PowerPair Solar Plus Battery Rebate Program, approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) in January 2024, offers up to $9,000 in savings for those who install a new solar panel and battery storage system.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to encourage the adoption of renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and assess the cost-effectiveness of solar plus storage solutions. By making these energy-efficient measures more affordable, Duke Energy is paving the way for a greener future in North Carolina.

With applications set to open in May 2024, now is the perfect time to learn more about the PowerPair Rebate Program and how it can benefit you. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the program, eligibility requirements, and the potential savings you could enjoy by participating in this limited-time opportunity.

What is the PowerPair Rebate Program?

Duke Energy’s PowerPair Solar Plus Battery Rebate Program is a forward-thinking initiative designed to encourage North Carolina homeowners to embrace renewable energy and energy storage solutions. By offering substantial rebates for installing new solar panels and battery storage systems, Duke Energy aims to make these advanced energy efficiency measures more accessible and affordable for its customers.

The primary goal of the PowerPair program is to reduce carbon emissions by increasing the adoption of clean energy technologies. By incentivizing homeowners to install solar panels and battery storage, Duke Energy hopes to create a more sustainable future for North Carolina while also assessing the cost-effectiveness and operational impacts of these systems on the electric grid.

Through this program, homeowners can not only contribute to a greener environment but also enjoy significant savings on their energy bills. The combination of solar panels and battery storage allows homeowners to generate their own clean electricity, store excess energy for later use, and reduce their reliance on the grid during peak demand periods.

By making these energy efficiency measures more affordable through the PowerPair Rebate Program, Duke Energy is demonstrating its commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future for North Carolina.

PowerPair Timeline

The PowerPair Solar Plus Battery Rebate Program has been approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) and is set to launch in 2024. Here’s a timeline of the key events leading up to the program’s launch:

• January 2024: PowerPair is approved by the NCUC[2]

On January 11, 2024, the NCUC issued an order approving Duke Energy’s solar and storage pilot program, known as PowerPair.

• February 2024: Duke Energy deadline to file tariffs outlining the application process

Duke Energy is required to file revised tariffs and terms and conditions for the PowerPair program by February 10, 2024.

• March 2024: Deadline for NCUC to provide comments

The NCUC will provide comments on Duke Energy’s filed tariffs and terms and conditions by March 2024. Additionally, Duke Energy’s PowerPair website is expected to go live this month.

• May 2024: PowerPair application goes live

The PowerPair application is set to open between May 10, 2024, and June 7, 2024, for the initial enrollment period. After a two-week pause to correct any defects in customer applications, the enrollment window will reopen on June 21, 2024, on a first-come, first-served basis.

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As the PowerPair program moves closer to its launch date, interested homeowners should stay informed about the application process and eligibility requirements to ensure they can take advantage of this exciting opportunity to save on solar plus battery storage installations.

How the PowerPair Rebate Works

Duke Energy’s PowerPair Rebate Program offers substantial savings for North Carolina homeowners who install new solar panels and battery storage systems. The rebate amount is based on the size of the installed system, with a maximum total incentive of $9,000 per residence.

For solar installations, the rebate is calculated at $0.36 per watt, with a maximum capacity of 10 kilowatts (kW). This means that homeowners can receive up to $3,600 for their solar panels alone ($0.36 x 10,000 watts = $3,600).

Battery storage systems are eligible for a rebate of $400 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of capacity, with a maximum of 13.5 kWh. This translates to a potential rebate of $5,400 for the battery component ($400 x 13.5 kWh = $5,400).

It’s important to note that the PowerPair Rebate Program has a limited capacity, estimated to accommodate around 6,000 homes. Given the popularity of previous solar incentive programs in North Carolina, these spots are expected to fill up quickly once applications open in May 2024.

To be eligible for the rebate, homeowners must have their solar and battery storage system designed, and an interconnection request must be completed and sent to Duke Energy before submitting their application. Due to the time-consuming nature of this process, it’s recommended that interested homeowners start preparing early to ensure they are ready to apply when the application window opens in May 2024.

PowerPair Savings Breakdown

The table below shows the potential savings for a typical solar + battery storage system in North Carolina with the PowerPair Rebate Program:

 

Here’s how the savings break down:

• For a typical $38,000 solar + battery storage system, the PowerPair Rebate Program offers a $9,000 rebate, which covers 24% of the total system cost. This $9,000 rebate consists of $3,600 for the solar portion (at $0.36/watt up to 10 kW) and $5,400 for the battery storage (at $400/kWh up to 13.5 kWh)
• When combined with the 30% federal solar tax credit, the total savings increase to $17,700, representing a 47% reduction in the net cost. The 30% tax credit allows you to deduct 30% of the system cost from your federal taxes, which amounts to $11,400 for a $38,000 system

The PowerPair Rebate Program, especially when combined with the 30% federal solar tax credit, offers significant savings that can substantially reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar + battery storage system in North Carolina. This makes clean energy more accessible and affordable for Duke Energy customers.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the PowerPair Solar Plus Battery Rebate Program, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You must be a Duke Energy customer in North Carolina, served by either Duke Energy Carolina or Duke Energy Progress.
2. You must own the residence where the solar + battery storage system will be installed. The home can be either gas or electric.
3. The rebate is only applicable to new solar + battery storage system installations. Additions or expansions to existing systems do not qualify.

For the solar portion of the system:

• The rebate is calculated at $0.36 per watt.
• The maximum eligible solar capacity is 10 kilowatts (kW).
• The maximum solar rebate amount is $3,600 ($0.36/watt x 10,000 watts).

For the battery storage portion of the system:

• The rebate is calculated at $400 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery capacity.
• The maximum eligible battery capacity is 13.5 kWh.
• The maximum battery storage rebate amount is $5,400 ($400/kWh x 13.5 kWh).

It’s important to note that while additional solar and battery storage capacity beyond the rebate limits is permitted, any excess capacity will not qualify for the PowerPair rebate.

If you meet these eligibility requirements and are interested in installing a solar + battery storage system, the PowerPair Rebate Program offers a valuable opportunity to save on your investment and join the growing clean energy movement in North Carolina.

How to Apply and Next Steps

As Duke Energy finalizes the details of the PowerPair Rebate Program with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC), interested homeowners should start preparing for the application process set to open in May 2024.

The application window is expected to be open from May 10 to June 7, 2024, with a random selection process to select participants for the pilot program. If there is still program capacity after this period, the remaining incentives will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

To ensure you’re ready to apply when the application window opens, it’s recommended that you contact a Duke Energy approved solar installer, known as a “Trade Ally,” early to start designing your system and completing the necessary interconnection requests. This process can take several weeks, so starting early is crucial.

By participating in the PowerPair Rebate Program, you can take a significant step towards energy independence, potentially reduce your electric bills, and contribute to a healthier environment by adopting clean energy technologies.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to save up to $9,000 on a solar + battery storage system. Stay informed about the application process, eligibility requirements, and program updates by visiting Duke Energy’s PowerPair website and signing up for notifications.

Get Your Free Solar Quote Today

By acting now, you can be among the first to apply for the PowerPair Rebate Program when applications open in May 2024. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to reduce your energy bills, contribute to a healthier environment, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with generating your own clean electricity.

Take the first step towards a brighter, more sustainable future. Request your free solar quote today and discover the power of clean energy for your home.