North Carolina Regulators Issue Order to Strengthen the State’s Rooftop Solar Market

RALEIGH, N.C. — On Thursday, the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) issued final orders in its net metering “Smart $aver” docket. The Commission approved a three-year glide path for solar customers to transition from monthly credits to a more dynamic time-of-use rate structure that incentivizes the use of solar when it is most valuable. 

The order also directs Duke Energy to open a solar plus storage program within 90 days, approves a $0.36/watt incentive to go solar, and approves another monetary incentive to encourage residential energy storage installations.”

Following is a statement from Will Giese, Southeast Regional Director for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):

“This order is a step forward for North Carolina’s rooftop solar market that preserves the ability of residents to choose the power that works for them. North Carolina has boasted a strong utility-scale solar market for years while its rooftop solar industry has lagged. The solar and storage industry thanks the NCUC for approving a glide path that ensures monthly crediting for solar customers through 2026 and provides critical certainty for current customers and those considering going solar. 

“The Commission’s approval of a monetary incentive to install solar and storage is a smart, innovative approach, setting the bar for other states in the region to consider the benefits of these technologies for strengthening energy security in the face of extreme weather. SEIA will continue to advocate for policies that open the market for solar installations of all sizes and strengthens energy choice for North Carolinians.”

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About SEIA®: 

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org and follow @SEIA on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media Contact: 

Morgan Lyons, SEIA’s Director of Communications, mlyons@seia.org (202) 556-2872