Rebates

Active solar heating and cooling systems may not be assessed at more than the value of a conventional system for property tax purposes. This law applies only to active solar systems and does not include any land or structural elements of buildings, such as walls and roofs, or other equipment ordinarily contained in a building. Specifically, a "system" includes all controls, tanks, pumps, heat exchangers and other equipment used directly and exclusively for the conversion of solar energy for heating or cooling. Systems placed on residential, commercial and industrial property are eligible for this exclusion.

In 2007 Ashe County adopted a wind ordinance to regulate the use of wind-energy systems in unincorporated areas of the county and to describe the conditions by which a permit for installing such a system may be obtained. This policy was adopted in the context of an ongoing debate over the legal interpretation of the 1983 Ridge Protection Act.

For the purposes of this ordinance, wind-energy systems are classified as “large” if they consist of one or more turbines with a rated generating capacity of more than 20 kilowatts (kW) and “small” if a project consists of a single

The Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation offers net metering to its residential customers with solar photovoltaic, wind, or micro-hydro generators up to 25 kilowatts. There is no aggregate capacity limit.

Net excess generation is credited at retail rate. However, net metering customers are not served on the general residential rate tariff; net metering customers have a lower retail energy rate and higher grid service charge than general residential customers. Net metering customers also have a higher minimum bill than general residential customers. Excess credit rolls over month-to-month. Any net excess generation remaining on May 31 of each year will be

Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites.

The North Carolina State Building Code Council is responsible for developing all state codes. By statute, the Commissioner of Insurance has general supervision over the administration and enforcement of the North Carolina state building code. Local government units enforce the code through the permit/inspection process for new construction and additions. The North Carolina Department of Insurance is responsible

In September 2007, Camden County adopted a wind ordinance to regulate the use of wind-energy systems in the county and to describe the conditions by which a permit for installing such a system may be obtained.

For the purposes of this ordinance, wind-energy systems are classified as “large” if they consist of one or more turbines with a rated generating capacity of more than 100 kilowatts (kW), “small” if a project consists of a single turbine rated at less than 20 kW, and "medium" if one or more turbines rated between 20 kW and 100 kW. A site permit is

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative offers a rebate of $100 to residential members who install Level 2 ChargePoint electric vehicle (EV) chargers in their homes. For more information, visit the program website.

Carteret County passed an ordinance to specify the permitting process and establish siting requirements for wind energy systems. There are different rules and a different permitting process depending on the size and location of a system. Small systems up to 25 kilowatts (kW) are considered to be an accessory use and do not require the approval of a Wind Energy Permit Application. Small systems attached to a house can have a maximum height of 60 feet and are not subject to minimum setbacks. Small systems not attached to a house can have a maximum height of 75 feet, but must

Carteret Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC) offers a variety of energy-efficiency improvement projects for their customers. Amongst them is the heat pump (hybrid) water heater. The model must be EnergyStar qualified, under 55 gallons and installed in a property served by the CCEC. A rebate of $300/unit is offered. See program site for details.

Catawba County is providing incentives to encourage the construction of sustainably built homes and commercial buildings. Rebates on permit fees and plan reviews are available for certain qualifying structures and renewable energy projects. Buildings designed and constructed in accordance with the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), NC HealthyBuilt Homes, Energy Star, or the National Association of Home Builders' Model Green Home Building Guidelines can receive a 25% blanket permit fee rebate, not to exceed $500. Catawba County will also rebate 50% of fees related to plan review or express plan review for commercial buildings

The City of Asheville offers rebates for building permits and plan reviews for certain renewable energy technologies and green building certifications for homes and mixed-use commercial buildings. Rebates for building permit fees may apply to residences with the following designations:

• Green Built North Carolina / HealthyBuilt Home Certification ($100)
• Energy Star Rating ($100)
• Geothermal heat pumps ($50)
• Solar-energy systems ($50)
• Wind turbines ($50)
• Storm water (gray water) collection device for reuse in yard sprinkler or elsewhere ($50)

Regular fees must be paid in full but will be rebated upon certification. These rebates also apply to mixed-use commercial buildings if they

In April 2007, the Asheville City Council adopted carbon emission reduction goals and set LEED standards for new city buildings. The policies passed by the City have set specific goals in a variety of climate related areas. These include
achieving LEED certification for new City buildings, reducing carbon emissions by 80%, reducing municipal waste by 50%, and transitioning to 100% renewable energy. To work towards this goal, the council also resolved that all new occupied city-owned buildings greater than 5,000 square feet will adhere to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified "Gold" standard

The City of Concord Electric Department offers an incentive program encouraging its residential customers and developers/contractors to replace their existing HVAC system with a more energy efficient heat pump system. Heat pumps between one and five tons in size with a SEER of 15 and above qualify for a $400 rebate.

Residential electric customers with an active account on record or developers/builders with an active city utility account number are eligible. A copy of the sales invoice from the contractor who completed the installation of the heat pump system must be supplied to the City of Concord Electric Department, along

The City of High Point offers the Hometown Green Program to help customers reduce energy use. Under this program, rebates are available for heat pumps and electric water heaters. Heat pump rebates are available to any residential customer whose electric service is provided by the city of High Point. In order to qualify, the heat pump must be between 1 and 5 tons, have a SEER rating of 15 or more, and be installed by an authorized/licensed electrical or HVAC contractor who has a privilege license to work in the City of High Point. Water heater rebates are available to

The City of New Bern Electric Department offers rebates to its residential customers for installing new replacement energy efficient water heaters and central heat pumps. Appliances must be electric and load management switches must be installed on the appliances, or the existing switch must be reconnected to the new equipment. A copy of the bill of sale with the model and serial number is required. 

Once approved, the rebate will be applied to the customer’s electric account. If a request to remove the load management switch is made within two years of the date that the rebate credit is issued

The City of Statesville Electric Utility Department offers rebates to its residential customers for installing new, energy efficient heat pumps, geothermal water heaters or solely electric water heaters in either new construction or existing homes. Tanked water heaters must be 30+ gallons, and heat pumps must have a 16+ SEER rating. See program site for details.

Commercial and Industrial customers are eligible for a maximum of $5,000 per year and a total of $20,000 in lighting rebates for the life of the program to help defray costs of lighting upgrades in municipal facilities.

Note: S.B. 678 of 2023 amended North Carolina's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS), recasting it as a Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (CEPS). The definition of a "clean energy resource" in S.B. 678 includes renewable energy resources, fusion energy resources, and nuclear energy resources, including an uprate to a nuclear energy facility. 

North Carolina's Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (CEPS), originally established as a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) by Senate Bill 3 in August 2007, requires all investor-owned utilities in the state to supply 12.5% of 2020 retail electricity

In January 2008, Currituck County adopted an ordinance to regulate the use of wind-energy systems. The ordinance directs any individual or organization wishing to install a wind-energy system to obtain a zoning permit from the county planning board. Small-scale systems require only administrative approval for the permit, while large systems and utility-scale projects require approval from the board of commissioners.

For the purposes of this ordinance, a wind-energy system is classified as "small" if it has a single turbine with a rated capacity of 25 kilowatts (kW) or less; as "large" if it consists of one or more turbines with

Dominion Energy offers rebates to customers who purchase energy-efficient natural gas water heaters, furnaces, boilers, or space heaters. The rebate is available only when existing natural gas-fired water heating or heating equipment is replaced with more energy-efficient natural gas-fired equipment.

Duke Energy encourages residential customers to buy energy-efficient homes through the utility's Energy Star Homes Program, which awards a rate discount to customers living in Energy Star homes. Customers receive a discount on per kWh usage after the first 350 kWh per month. To earn the Energy Star label, homes are tested by a third-party inspector to ensure they meet the U.S. Department of Energy's criteria. Generally speaking, a home must be at least 30% more efficient than the national Model Energy Code for homes or 15% more efficient than the state energy code, whichever is more rigorous. The

The Smart $aver® program offers incentives for residential customers to increase their energy efficiency. Incentives are provided for qualifying heating and cooling equipment installation and service, attic insulation and attic air sealing, duct sealing, heat pump water heater, and pool pump. Duke Energy Carolinas electric residential retail customers residing in a single-family home, condominium, duplex, townhome, or mobile home are eligible for listed incentives, whereas specific eligibility requirements vary with technology. All incentives are paid after completion of the services.

Duke Energy's Improve & Save Program functions like an on-bill financing program and provides an opportunity for homeowner and renters to receive energy efficiency improvements with potentially no money down. Interested customers can start by filling out an eligibility form on Duke's website. If eligible, the customer will then schedule a free energy audit with a program-approved third-party. The energy advisor performing the audit will recommend efficiency improvements, which may include new HVAC systems and duct sealing, attic insulation and air sealing, and heat pump water heaters. 

Duke will then pay for the equipment, upgrades, and installation. Where applicable, existing

Note: Funding for this program is fully allocated and Duke is no longer accepting applications. It will continue to hold the waitlist until all reservations have been paid. 

Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress are providing rebates to customers who install PV. Each utility will is awarding rebates on a first-come, first-served basis to 10 MW of systems each year. Of this total, 5,000 kW are reserved for residential applications. Of the remaining 5,000 kW, 2,500 kW is reserved for nonprofits. 

Duke Energy's PowerPair program provides financial incentives to customers who install solar photovoltaic (PV) plus storage systems at their homes. All participants will receive an upfront incentive for based on the size of their PV and battery systems, up to a maximum of $9,000. 

Participants must enroll in either Duke Energy's Solar Choice Tariff or Bridge Rate. Both options are functionally similar to net metering; however, the Solar Choice Tariff requires customers to be on a Time-of-Use rate, while the Bridge Rate allows customers to be non-time-varying rates. Customers who participate via the Bridge Rate, however, must also grant

Progress Energy is working with lighting manufacturers and local retailers to offer discounted pricing on CFLs.  The residential lighting program at Progress Energy's gives discounts at over 400 retail locations throughout NC and SC. Contact Progress Energy for more information on this offering.
 

Progress Energy provides incentives for residential customers to increase home energy efficiency. Rebates are provided for certain heating and cooling products, duct sealing and repairs, air sealing and insulation, and heat pump water heaters. To qualify, the equipment must meet the efficiency requirements outlined on the program website. Customers also must use a contractor approved by Progress Energy to participate in the program. Customers must submit an application form, including equipment cut sheets and original contractor invoice, within 60 days of completion of the work. More details and a list of approved contractors are available on the program web site

Progress Energy's residential new construction program provides cash incentives of up to $4,000 to builders and developers who build new energy-efficient homes and multi-family residences that meet program requirements specified on the program web site. Equipment rebates are available for heat pump water haeters and high efficiency HVAC equipment. Separately, builders can receive rebates for new homes built to meet or exceed the High Efficiency Residential Option (HERO) code, which is an optional part  of North Carolina's 2012 Energy Conservation Code. See the web site above for complete details. 

Durham County adopted a resolution in October 2008 that requires new non-school public buildings and facilities to meet high-performance standards. New construction of public buildings and facilities greater than 10,000 square feet must achieve a minimum rating of LEED Gold or any comparable performance criteria. Buildings between 4,000 and up to 10,000 square feet must achieve a minimum rating of LEED Silver or any comparable performance criteria.

Additionally, renovations of non-school public buildings in excess of 25% of the building and comprising upgrades or replacements of two of the three major systems (HVAC, lighting and plumbing) must be able to

Energy United provides an incentive for its customer to purchase a heat pump. Customers purchasing a heat pumps with a 15 SEER rating can receive a $150 bill credit, or $300 for a 16 SEER rating. 

EnergyUnited is offering new rebates for heat pump upgrades. A rebate of $150 is available for upgrading to a heat pump system of 15 SEER and a $300 rebates is available for upgrading to a heat pump system of 16 SEER or higher. Systems must be 18,000 BTU to qualify. Rebate is only available to homeowners. Each applicant must be an EnergyUnited member. Rebates are limited to two units per household.

EnergyUnited offers rebates for replacing appliances with new more efficient propane appliances. Rebates are available for propane furnaces or gas packs, propane-fueled vented room heaters or wall furnaces, propane-fueled tankless water heaters, propane-fueled storage tank-type water heaters, and dual fuel heat pumps. Rebate amounts range from $100 to $300 depending on the appliance replaced. Rebates are only available to homeowners. Rebates are available until program funds are depleted.

Four-County EMC offers the Comfort Loan Program to residential customers. This program offers financing for energy efficiency upgrades and replacements to existing equipment. The cooperative offers low fixed rates and up 100% purchase price financing, including taxes and installation. Members can receive a loan of up to $35,000.

Eligible technologies include:

• Electric Heat Pumps
• Weather Stripping
• Electric/Solar Water Heaters
• Insulation
• Windows
• Doors
• Generators
• Other EE
  

For more information and to apply to the program, click here.

Four-County EMC offers its customers $50 rebates for purchasing certain Energy Star appliances. Eligible appliances include refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, freezers and dryers. The rebates are available to residential customers who are replacing older appliances or buying new appliances for the first time. In order to qualify for the rebate, Energy Star documentation and a proof of purchase receipt are required. 

Four-County EMC also provides rebates for heat pump water heaters and heat pumps. The rebate amounts are $300 and $100/ton, respectively.

With an approved credit check, Haywood EMC members may borrow up to 100% of the total cost for heat pump or weatherization loans through ElecTel Cooperative Federal Credit Union. Please contact ElecTel CCU at 800-849-5600 for more information on this loan.

Hyde County, located in eastern North Carolina, adopted a wind ordinance in 2008 to regulate the use of wind energy facilities throughout the county, including waters within the boundaries of Hyde County. The ordinance is substantially similar to the model wind ordinance drafted by the North Carolina Wind Working Group, and establishes parameters for the permitting process, minimum setbacks, noise and shadow flicker, installation and design, and decommissioning of retired systems.

For the purposes of this ordinance, wind energy facilities are classified as "small" if they consist of a single wind turbine with a rated generating capacity of 20 kilowatts

Note: HB 589, signed in July 2017, requires the NCUC to adopt an expedited review process for swine and poultry waste energy projects of 2 MW or less. The NCUC issued an order in June 2019 with revisions to the interconnection standard including provisions for adding energy storage at existing solar PV sites, and expedited study of interconnection standard for small swine and poultry waste facilities. 

The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) first adopted comprehensive interconnection standards for distributed generation in 2005. The NCUC later updated the interconnection standards in 2008 and 2015. The current NCUC standards, which are similar

Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corporation offers rebates to residential members who install EnergyStar appliances, HVAC equipment and heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters. Eligible EnergyStar appliances include:

• Electric clothes washers and dryers
• Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers
  
• Ceiling fans
• Dehumidifiers
• Room air-conditioners
  
• Programmable thermostats
  

See program site for details. Applicants must be the customer of record for an active account.

HVAC Rebates are available for systems installed on or after January 1, 2017

S.B. 802 of 2024 authorized the establishment of a statewide Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) program that local governments may voluntarily join. Eligible properties include commercial, industrial, agricultural, nonprofit, and multifamily residential properties with five or more dwelling units. The bill establishes the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina as the statewide administrator for the program and assigns a variety of tasks to it: 

• Prepare a C-PACE toolkit, as described in S.B. 802, in consultation with stakeholders and local governments
• Impose fees to offset the actual and reasonable costs of administering the C-PACE Program, including an application fee not

North Carolina enacted legislation (H.B. 1389) in August 2009 that authorizes cities and counties to establish revolving loan programs to finance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that are permanently affixed to residential, commercial or other real property. A revolving loan program generally refers to a loan fund, where the loan repayments and interest are fed back into the fund. In this way, the loan can, in theory, continue indefinitely. HB 1389 allows cities and counties to fund their loan programs through Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants from the federal government and the city's or county's unrestricted

To encourage sustainable building practices, North Carolina law allows all counties and cities to provide reductions or partial rebates for building permit fees. To qualify for a fee reduction, buildings must meet guidelines established by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, the Green Globes program, or another recognized certification program.

SB 1597 of 2008 also granted authority to a few select jurisdictions to provide density bonuses, make adjustments to otherwise applicable development requirements, or provide other incentives to a developer or builder who builds or reconstructs developments which make a significant contribution to the reduction of energy

Note: In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activity subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENow for more information about PACE financing and

Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation (LREMC) offers low interest loans through the ElecTel Cooperative Federal Credit Union to help residential members increase the energy efficiency of homes. Loans up to $35,000 are available for the purchase and installation of:

• Efficient windows and doors
• Heating and cooling units (heat pumps, gas packs, a/c units)
• Generators
• Solar projects
• Water heaters (electric, solar, gas)
• Insulation
• Energy Star Appliances
• Weatherization efforts
  

For detailed program information, see ElecTel's website here. Energy Efficient loans are primarily available to residential dwelling property owners only.  This may include single family residences, duplexes, and owner-occupied condominiums.

Lumbee River EMC (LREMC) offers rebates to its residential customers who purchase and install qualified energy efficient products or services. Rebates are available for both heating and cooling, as well as weatherization measures.

The LREMC also offers discounted programmable thermostats for as little as $25 in exchange for peak load reduction access through the Connect to Save program. See LREMC Energy Programs here for more details.

Lumbee River EMC is offering 6% loans to residential customers for the installation of solar water heaters on their homes.  To qualify, the systems must be certified OG-300 by the Solar Ratings and Certification Council (SRCC) and installed by a program-approved contractor or an installer certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Loans of $2,000 or less will be secured as a signature loan. Loans in excess of $2,000 will be secured by a deed of trust against the home and property.  

Madison County adopted a new land use ordinance in May 2010, which includes provisions for permitting wind turbines within the county.

For the purposes of this ordinance, wind-energy facilities are classified as "small" if they consist of one or more turbines with a rated generating capacity of 10 kilowatts (kW) or less, “medium” if a project has a rated capacity between 10 kW and 50 kW, and large if a project has a rated capacity of more than 50 kW. In general small wind energy facilities are treated as a conditional use in residential zones. As a conditional use, a

Note: This model ordinance was designed to provide guidance to local governments that wish to develop their own siting rules for wind turbines. While it was developed as part of a cooperative effort involving several state agencies, the model itself has no legal or regulatory authority.

In July, 2008 the North Carolina Wind Working Group, a coalition of state government, non-profit and wind industry organizations, published a model wind ordinance to provide guidance for communities seeking to promote wind energy. For the purposes of this model, wind-energy systems are classified as "small" if they consist of a single wind turbine

Note: As of February 2018, NC GreenPower has terminated the small solar generator program application.   

NC GreenPower, a statewide green power program designed to encourage the use of renewable energy in North Carolina, offers production payments for grid-tied electricity generated by solar, wind, small hydro (10 megawatts or less) and biomass resources. Payment arrangements for electricity generated by most renewable energy systems may be available by submitting proposals for consideration when NC GreenPower issues an RFP. However, owners of small wind energy systems (10 kW or less) may currently apply to receive program incentives at any time. Owners of

Note: The NC Utilities Commission issued an order modifying Duke Energy's net metering rules for residential systems in March 2023. The Commission order also approved a Proposed Bridge Rate, which was included in a Stipulation agreed to by Duke Energy and a consortium of solar installers. Beginning October 1, 2023, residential customers applying for net metering will have to choose between the new rules adopted in the March 2023 order, or the Proposed Bridge Rate. Residential customers who own their systems and signed a net metering agreement prior to October 1, 2023 may remain on those prior tariffs until

Community Solar in NC is governed by House Bill 589 Session Law 2017-192. Each offering utility must file a plan with the Commission to offer a community solar energy facility program for participation by its retail customers. Each community solar facility must have at least five subscribers and no single subscriber has more than a forty percent (40%) interest. Duke Progress and Duke Energy must make this available on a first-come first-served basis until the total nameplate generation of its community solar facilities is at least 40MW.

Community solar energy facility projects may have a nameplate capacity of no more

Cities and counties in North Carolina generally may not adopt ordinances prohibiting the installation of "a solar collector that gathers solar radiation as a substitute for traditional energy for water heating, active space heating and cooling, passive heating, or generating electricity for residential property."(§ 160D-914.a)* 

However, this does not prohibit development regulation regulating the location and screening of solar collectors as described previously, provided the regulation does not have the effect of preventing the reasonable use of a solar collector for a residential property. (§ 160D-914.b)

Nor does this prevent development regulation that would prohibit the location of solar collectors

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation (PEMC) offers an incentive to residential customers for residing in an energy efficient home. The utility has two unique rates for homes that meet certain efficiency standards, each with slightly lower kWh charges. The Energy Efficient rate (RS - EE) schedule includes slightly lower charges for homes with equipment that meet the efficiency requirements detailed in the schedule. The Energy Star schedule (RS - ES) features even lower rates for homes that meet the standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star-labeled home program and are verified by a registered third party. Contact PEMC for

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation's (PEMC) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program is available to eligible consumers to finance the purchase and installation of energy efficient residential upgrades. Approved consumers may borrow up to $10,000 for seven years at a five percent interest rate. Loans are available for central air conditioning, heat pumps, windows, doors and insulation.  In addition to energy efficient measures and equipment, residents may also use this program to finance the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar water heaters. Piedmont EMC also offers rebates for residential solar water heating systems.  Contact PEMC for further information

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation (PEMC) offers a financial incentive for residential members to install energy efficient heat pumps, smart thermostats, and owning an electric vehicle in eligible homes. Rebates are available to PEMC members who install an electric heat pump with a SEER of 15 or higher and have a completely electric home. The rebate equals $50 per ton, up to four tons per system. Contact PEMC or visit the program web site for more information on these programs.

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation's (PEMC) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program is available to eligible Piedmont Electric members to finance the purchase and installation of an energy efficient electric heat pump, replacement of poorly insulated doors and windows, and/or additional insulation in their home at low interest rates. The loan is also available for solar water heaters, solar panels and central A/C systems. Approved consumers may borrow up to $10,000 for seven years at a five percent interest rate.

Contact PEMC for further information about this program. In addition to solar equipment, residents may also use this program to

Piedmont Natural Gas offers rebates to residential customers for purchasing and installing high-efficiency natural gas tankless water heaters, storage tank water heaters, and furnaces. This program is only available to current Piedmont residential and commercial customers in good standing. Equipment must be listed as eligible for rebate and installed during the rebate period prior to application submission. New construction not eligible. Efficiency qualifications set forth in the rebate application must be met.

Maximum 2 water heating and 2 space heating rebates for residential customers in a 12-month period. See program site for more details.

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners adopted amendments to the county zoning ordinance in March 2010 which classify wind energy systems as an accessory use and establish siting and permitting requirements for their installation. The zoning ordinance was again amended in 2019. The ordinance applies to small to medium systems designed primarily for on-site use in conjunction with a principal dwelling unit or business. The ordinance does not apply to utility scale systems.

Blade Clearance: Wind turbine blades may not be closer than 15 feet from the ground.

Visual Appearance: Wind turbines must be a non-obtrusive color such as white

In August 2008, North Carolina enacted legislation that exempts 80% of the appraised value of a "solar energy electric system" (also known as a photovoltaic, or PV, system) from property tax. For the purposes of this assessment, the term "solar energy electric system" means "all equipment used directly and exclusively for the conversion of solar energy to electricity." This incentive is effective for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2008.

A Memorandum sent to County Commissioners in February 2011 clarified that residential PV systems that are not used to generate income or in connection with a business may

This discounted rate is available to commercial customers whose building meets the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification or equivalent. To qualify, the customer must be on the Rate 125. Qualifying customers pay a discounted rate per therm less than otherwise applicable Rate 125. For buildings that use equivalent means to qualify, a registered professional engineer’s statement must be provided that states that the building uses no more energy, on a per square foot basis, than a LEED certified building. 

Residential homes must produce a statement from a registered professional engineer that states that

As a member of the Randolph Electric Membership Corporation (Randolph EMC), residential customers are eligible for low-interest loans on energy efficiency improvement projects if they join the ElecTel Cooperative Federal Credit Union. Membership may cost as low as $1. Projects available for financing include but aren't limited to:

• Efficient windows/doors
• Electric heat pumps
• Furnaces
• Air conditioners
• Generators
• Solar projects
• Water heaters
• Insulation
• EnergyStar appliances

Fixed rates are as low as 4.9%, with up to 100% financing of the purchase price. Payment terms are flexible with a maximum loan of $35,000 ($5,000 if a mobile home). See program site for details.

Note: This offer is limited to the first 50 REMC residential members to sign up for this program, contact REMC to see if applications are still available.

Randolph EMC offers a $500 rebate incentive for Level 2 charging stations to each member who participates in the REVUP Pilot program.  To qualify for the rebate, member-owners must be a registered owner of an electric vehicle, purchase and install a Wi-Fi connected Level 2 Charger and agree to share the data collected by the Level 2 Charger.

The North Carolina building code includes a voluntary High Efficiency Residential Option (HERO). South River EMC offers incentives to home buyers and builders who purchase or construct HERO homes. These homes are at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to North Carolina's current mandatory code. 

Rebates differ based upon the classification of home (manufactured, site-built single family home, or multi-family dwelling) applying for rebate and whether customer is purchasing or building the home. Contractors and residents must ensure that homes have been inspected and meet standards before receiving incentive. SREMC must have an official copy of the HERS

South River EMC offers a variety of rebates encouragings its members to invest in energy efficient appliances, equipment, and home upgrades. Incentives are available for a variety of energy efficient products, which must have been purchased within 90 days of the rebate application's submission.

Be sure to check the program website listed above for detailed information on how to apply for these rebates and specific program requirements and guidelines. Contact South River EMC with any questions.

South River Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is providing rebates to encourage their customers to install solar water heating systems. To be eligible for the rebate solar collectors must have OG-100 certification by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. (SRCC), and solar water heating systems must have SRCC OG-300 certification. Systems must also incorporate adequate freeze and over heat protection controls that do not require manual operations on the part of the residence occupant. System owners will have 90 days to apply for a rebate after their system has been installed. South River EMC will also inspect all systems before rewarding

Tideland Electric Membership Cooperative (TEMC) is an electric cooperative that serves customers in Craven, Dare, Washington, Pamlico, Beaufort and Hyde counties. Home, farm and business owners are able to take advantage of TEMC's five percent-interest Weatherization Loan Program.

This loan will cover the purchase and installation of energy efficient measures such as caulking, weather-stripping, heat pump systems, storage water heaters, HVAC measures, building insulation measures, water heater insulation, storm/thermal windows and doors, and electric coordinating systems to reduce demand and other major Energy Star projects excluding electronics and small appliances for existing homes. Heat pump systems and central heating or

The Town of Carrboro is providing loans to Carrboro businesses and non-profits with fewer than 50 employees to increase their energy efficiency. The current interest rate is 3% and the maximum loan term is 10 years. The minimum loan amount is $1500. Loan applicants must give the town their previous 12 utility bills, and must agree to continue submitting their utility bills for 3 years after the work is complete so the town can measure the performance of the retrofits and the success of their program.

A wide variety of efficiency improvements are eligible for financing through this program. Participants

The Town of Chapel Hill’s energy-conservation ordinance requires all new or expanded buildings constructed by and for the town to achieve a Silver level certification in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and be designed to meet the applicable Architecture 2030 fossil fuel energy reduction target from the 2030 Challenge, unless the council grants a waiver. Renovated buildings with additions of five thousand (5,000) square feet of gross occupied area must also be designed to achieve no less than half of the applicable Architecture 2030 fossil fuel reduction target from The 2030 Challenge

In 2003, the Town of Chapel Hill adopted a land-use management ordinance that includes prohibitions against neighborhood or homeowners association covenants or other conditions of sale that restrict or prohibit the use, installation or maintenance of solar-collection devices. This ordinance was adopted prior to North Carolina's statewide solar access law. Chapel Hill's ordinance provides stronger protection for solar energy systems than the state law.

The Town of Chapel Hill also places restrictions on maximum building height depending on the zoning. For lots in new subdivisions, structures shall be placed and arranged so as not to adversely affect adjacent property

In October 2007, the town of Kill Devil Hills adopted an ordinance to regulate the use of wind-energy systems. The ordinance directs any individual or organization wishing to install a wind-energy system to obtain a zoning permit from the town planning board.

Size Requirements: Wind turbine towers are restricted to a height of 80 feet with a maximum rotor size of 23 feet in diameter. The combined height of the system must not exceed 92 feet above finished grade. All wind systems are limited to a rated power of 10 kilowatts (kW).

Visual Appearance: Towers and rotor blades must maintain

Distributed Solar Solutions (DSS) is a TVA pilot program designed to encourage solar energy projects that are directed by its local power company (LPC) partners. 

Only solar photovoltaic systems qualify for Distributed Solar Solutions, and they must generate between 50 kW and 2 MW of electricity. Qualified applicants must apply through their local power company—or may be a local power company. There will be a total capacity offering of 10 MW for calendar year 2017. LPCs or other developers with projects less than or equal to 50 kW should investigate TVA’s Green Power Providers program. 

Seller must convey to TVA all

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and participating power distributors of TVA power offer a performance-based incentive program to homeowners and businesses for the installation of renewable generation systems from the following qualifying resources: PV, wind, hydropower, and biomass. The long term Green Power Providers program replaces the Generation Partners* pilot program. The energy generated from these renewable generation systems will count towards TVA's green power pricing program, Green Power Switch.

The Green Power Providers program contract term is 20 years. Generation credit will be paid at the following flat rates for the entirety of the 20-year contract:

•Residential/GSA-1 customers with system

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) now compliments the small generation Green Power Providers Program by providing incentives for mid-sized renewable energy generators between 50kW and 20MW to enter into long term price contracts. The goal for total production from all participants is 100MW, with no more than 50MW from any one renewable technology. The Renewable Standard Offer program also includes Solar Solution Initiative program that offers additional financial incentives for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) projects. 

TVA bases the standard offer for customer generators off of a seasonal time-of-day averages chart, which sets base prices for the term of the

TVA offers a variety of rebates to local power company and TVA direct-served residential customers who purchase and install various energy-saving technologies. Eligible technologies include heat pumps, water heaters, duct/air sealing, insulation, and window replacement. All rebate-eligible home energy services or projects must be completed by members of the TVA EnergyRight Quality Contractor Network. 

In-person home energy evaluations are offered through participating local power companies. See program website for details regarding specific equipment requirements. 

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) energy right Heat Pump Plan provides financing to promote the installation of high efficiency heat pumps in homes and small businesses. Installation, performance, and weatherization standards ensure the appropriate sizing of equipment and operation of the system. TVA maintains a Quality Contractor Network (QCN) from which customers can choose an installer. Through a third-party lender, TVA provides financing for residential heat pumps with repayment on the customer’s electric bill and a term of up to 10 years. The programs are independently administered by local power companies served by TVA.

Tyrrell County, located in northeastern North Carolina, adopted a wind ordinance in 2009 to regulate the use of wind energy facilities in the unincorporated areas of the county. The ordinance is substantially similar to the model wind ordinance drafted by the North Carolina Wind Working Group, and establishes parameters for the permitting process, height restrictions, minimum setbacks, noise and shadow flicker, installation and design, and decommissioning of retired systems.

For the purposes of this ordinance, wind energy facilities are classified as "small" if they consist of a single wind turbine with a rated generating capacity of 20 kilowatts (kW) or

Union Power Cooperative offers low interest loans to help its qualifying residential customers finance energy efficiency improvements, including new windows and doors, electric heat pumps, furnaces, air conditioners, generators, solar projects, water heaters, insulation, and ENERGY STAR® appliances.

Interest rates, offered as low as 3.90%, will be fixed for the term of the loan. Loans can be up to $30,000. Flexible payment terms are available for qualifying recipients. Contact Union Power Cooperative for more information regarding this program.

In 2006, Watauga County adopted a wind ordinance to regulate the use of wind-energy systems in the county and to describe the conditions by which a permit for installing such a system may be obtained. This policy was adopted in the context of an on-going debate over the legal interpretation of the 1983 Ridge Protection Act.

For the purposes of this ordinance, wind-energy systems are classified as “large” if they consist of one or more turbines with a rated generating capacity of more than 20 kilowatts (kW) and “small” if a project consists of a single turbine rated at