Solar power has been increasing rapidly in the U.S. state of North Carolina, from less than 1 MW (megawatts) in 2007 to 6,152 MW in 2019, when it had the second-largest installed PV capacity of all states.
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.
A 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article described North Carolina as likely being the national leader in the "solar shepherd phenomenon" – combining sheep farming with solar power plants to reduce the high costs of grass trimming.
According to a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association, as of June 2019, North Carolina generates 5.81% of its electricity through solar power, and ranks second (up from 3rd in 2018) in total installed photovoltaics.
Source: NREL
Currently operating
The following tables show some of the major solar power projects currently operating in North Carolina (NC).
Dominion Energy
Duke Energy
On September 15, 2014, Duke Energy committed US$500 million to an expansion of solar power in North Carolina. Announced projects include: Warsaw Solar Facility (65 MW) – Duplin County, developed by Strata Solar. This was scheduled to be the largest PV plant east of the Mississippi River as of the announcement date. Elm City Solar Facility (40 MW) – Wilson County, developed by HelioSage Energy Fayetteville Solar Facility (23 MW) – Bladen County, developed by Tangent Energy Solutions
In addition, Duke Energy plans to purchase energy from five new projects: 48 MW – Bladen County, developed by Innovative Solar Systems 48 MW – Richmond County, developed by FLS Energy 20 MW – Scotland County, developed by Birdseye Renewable Energy 19 MW – Cleveland County, developed by Birdseye Renewable Energy 15 MW – Beaufort County, developed by Element Power US
Other Generators (20MW+)
Generation
Using data available from the U.S. Energy Information Agency's Electric Power Annual 2017 and "Electric Power Monthly Data Browser", the following table summarizes North Carolina's solar energy posture.
Capacity factor for each year was computed from the end-of-year summer capacity. 2018 data is from Electric Power Monthly and is subject to change.
Beginning with the 2014 data year, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) has estimated the distributed solar-photovoltaic generation and distributed solar-photovoltaic capacity. These non-utility-scale appraisals evaluate that North Carolina generated the following amounts of additional solar energy:
Duke Energy rebates
On January 22, 2018, Duke Energy Renewables proposed a $62 million rebate program for both residential and nonresidential customers. It was the first of three programs Duke is proposing as part of "Competitive Energy Solutions for North Carolina" legislation, signed into law in 2017 by Gov. Roy Cooper. The program requires approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
Customers would also have the option of leasing solar equipment from a third-party.
On April 16, 2018, the North Carolina Utilities Commission approved the program. It applies to Duke Energy's residential, nonresidential and nonprofit customers who installed a solar system and a bi-directional meter on their property on or after January 1, 2018.