Solar Gets a Boost in North Carolina!
Overall, solar energy has been slow picking up steam in the American Southeast. Sunny Florida has been a leader in the region but, until recently, it was pretty much alone. That recent help came from North Carolina, which, in 2007, set renewable energy standards requiring utilities to garner roughly 300 megawatts of power from renewables by 2021. This may be small compared to some other states, but it is already reaping benefits for solar in the Tar Heel State.
Three different commercial-scale solar projects have recently been announced for North Carolina. Sun Edison, a national solar developer, plans to build the three solar farms over the next few years. Two of the systems will be around 1 MW in size but the third is planned at 16 MW, which will be the largest solar power plant in the nation!
This is big news for North Carolina and will thrust the state into solar fame. With such recognition, I can only speculate that solar will take off at every level. Duke Energy, a large utility in the state, has its own plans to produce a solar network of rooftops; good news for homeowners under the utility’s jurisdiction.
Check out CalFinder’s State-by-State Solar Incentives site for North Carolina and keep up on solar incentives offered by the state…you can expect them to multiply. Then, when you’re ready to make the solar leap, find local, certified solar installers to get your system up and running.
Posted on September 16th in Going Solar, Solar Information, Solar News by Dan.
October 24th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Some very intresting ideas and comments. I came across this page whilst looking for cheaper energy prices. My bills haven risen by 35% this year and am now facing yet another increase by these greedy energy companies. (Thankfully I only rent so don’t have to worry about a mortgage as well.) Has anyone tried this green and cheap renewable energy? If so, be intrested to know how it worked for you.