Solar power in North Carolina has been increasing rapidly, from less than 1 MW (megawatts) in 2007 to about 1437 MW in 2015, and has the second largest installed capacity of the U.S. states. Declining solar panel costs, a 30 percent federal grant known as a 1603 grant that was available through December 31, 2011, and a 30 percent tax credit available through 2019 (declining to 10% by 2022), have contributed to this increase. The federal tax credit is in addition to any local incentives and pays for the cost of installation, which can be rolled over if fewer taxes are owed that year. The difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit is substantial, as a deduction depends on your tax rate to determine your savings, but a tax credit is directly available to repay the cost of installation. A 2012 estimate indicates that a typical 5Â kW solar array will pay for itself in 6 years, and thereafter generate a substantial profit.
In addition to federal incentives, the state has a Renewable Portfolio Standard of 12.5% by 2021 and a state renewable energy tax credit, both of which have been credited with boosting solar installations.
SunEdison has built a 17.2 megawatt solar farm in Davidson County. Other prominent solar contractors in North Carolina include Strata Solar, Baker Renewable Energy and Cypress Creek Renewables.
Currently operating
Dominion Energy
Duke Energy
Generation
Using data available from US Energy Information Agency Electric Power Annual 2015 and Electric Power Monthly Data Browser the following table summarizes North Carolina’s solar energy posture.
The capacity factor for each year was computed from the end-of-year summer capacity. 2016 data is from Electric Power Monthly and is subject to change.
Capacity factor for each year was computed from the end of year summer capacity. 2016 data is from Electric Power Monthly and is subject to change.
- Preliminary data from Electric Power Monthly.
Beginning with the 2014 data year, the Energy Information Administration has estimated the distributed solar photovoltaic generation and distributed solar photovoltaic capacity. These non-utility scale estimates project that North Carolina generated the following amounts of additional solar energy.
2014 Duke Energy initiative
On September 15, 2014 Duke Energy committed US$500 million to an expansion of solar power in North Carolina.
- Announced projects include:
- 65 MW â€" Warsaw Solar Facility - Duplin County - Developed by Strata Solar
- (At 65 MW, this is scheduled to be the largest PV plant east of the Mississippi River as of the announcement date.)
- 40 MW - Elm City Solar Facility - Wilson County - Developed by HelioSage Energy
- 23 MW - Fayetteville Solar Facility - Bladen County - Developed by Tangent Energy Solutions
- 65 MW â€" Warsaw Solar Facility - Duplin County - Developed by Strata Solar
- In addition, Duke Energy will purchase energy from five new projects:
- 48 MW â€" Bladen County - Developed by Innovative Solar Systems
- 48 MW â€" Richmond County - Developed by FLS Energy
- 20 MW â€" Scotland County - Developed by Birdseye Renewable Energy
- 19 MW â€" Cleveland County - Developed by - Birdseye Renewable Energy
- 15 MW â€" Beaufort County - Developed by Element Power US
2015 Completions & Future
On September 9, 2015, Duke Energy Renewables announced the completion of four solar farms with a combined output totaling 30 MW, in addition to three other farms under construction. Once completed, the three farms under construction will have an output totaling 132 MW.
External links
- North Carolina solar calculator
- Renewable energy policies and incentives
References
