FAQs

Commercial customers installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems will be paid per kilowatt-hour for energy produced and delivered to our electric system.

Who is eligible to participate in the program?
What size systems are eligible?
I have several buildings at my site. Can a system be installed on multiple rooftops if the collective capacity does not exceed 250 kW (DC)?
My roof can accommodate a system larger than 250 kW (DC). Can I apply for multiple systems of 250 kW each?
What are optimal site attributes to consider for eligibility and interconnection?
Why is there a limit on project size and number of systems per site?
How many projects will you accept per year and are you targeting specific regions?
How do I sign up?
Will my project be automatically accepted?
When will I know if my application has been accepted into the program?
If my application is accepted, what are the next steps?
How much will PEC pay for my energy and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?
What is the average cost of a solar PV system?
Can I install the system myself?
Why can't I install the system myself?
Can I hire any contractor to install my PV?
Someone contacted me and offered to own and install a system on my roof. Would I be eligible for this program?
Can I offset my electric use under this program, or net-meter?
How will I know if my business is viable for solar PV?
How are these incentives going to be paid for? How much will this cost be on customer bills?
What is the REPS - Renewable and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard?
If I get Progress Energy's PV incentive, can I also get the NC GreenPower incentive?
How can contractors become involved in the program?
Is my system eligible for incentives if I installed it prior to July 6, 2009?
What if an issue arises while my system is being installed?
How will I receive tax information for my participation in the program?
Where can I get more information about this program?

What size systems are eligible?
Rooftop mounted PV systems ranging in size from 10 kW to 250 kW (DC) can participate. An individual project cannot exceed 250 kW (DC) and ground-mount systems are ineligible.

I have several buildings at my site. Can a system be installed on multiple rooftops if the collective capacity does not exceed 250 kW (DC)?
No, the system must be installed on one contiguous rooftop of a building served by Progress Energy Carolinas.

My roof can accommodate a system larger than 250 kW (DC). Can I apply for multiple systems of 250 kW each?
At this time, eligibility is limited to one system per site, not to exceed 250 kW (DC).

What are optimal site attributes to consider for eligibility and interconnection?
A building that is served by Progress Energy Carolinas and has the electric meter mounted near or directly on the building. The metered electric account should be associated with a single premise, or building, in which the solar array will be installed. The building should be fully enclosed and structurally sound; capable of hosting a roof-mounted PV system for a 20-year term.

Why is there a limit on project size and number of systems per site?
Through the SunSense initiative, PEC desires to promote a diversity of solar installations by accepting projects that vary in location, technology, size, type of host site, host company, developer, etc. The project size limit allows us to meet these objectives while encouraging participation from multiple solar providers throughout our region.

How many projects will you accept each year and are you targeting specific regions?
There is no goal on the number of projects, but we will accept Applications totaling up to 5 MW (DC) each calendar year. We are interested in receiving Applications for systems throughout our service territory in North Carolina and South Carolina.

How do I sign up?
An application form is located on the website at SunSense Commercial Solar PV Program.

Will my project be automatically accepted?
No, PEC will independently review and accept applications based on various components of the project.

When will I know if my application has been accepted into the program?
PEC will contact each applicant within 7-10 business days of receiving the application to provide a timeline of when an approval decision could be expected.

If my application is approved, what are the next steps?
Customers must enter an agreement to sell all of the energy and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from the system to PEC for a 20-year term. Customers must also interconnect the system and PEC will set a separate meter to register the generation. If your application is approved, a PEC representative will contact you with detailed information to assist in this process.

How much will PEC pay for my Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?
The payment is 18 cents/kWh for all metered energy and RECs. Payment is subject to application acceptance, appropriate interconnection, and contract execution.

This is an ongoing payment for production, either monthly or annually (depending on system size); not an upfront rebate.

What is the average cost of a solar PV system?
The installed cost of a commercial solar photovoltaic system varies by system type and size. Typically, systems cost approximately $6,000 to $8,000 per kilowatt (before tax credits and incentives). Customers should contact a solar installer to determine potential benefits and exact pricing.

There are also federal and state tax incentives available. Customers can learn more about tax incentives by going to http://www.dsireusa.org/.

Can I install the system myself?
No, only systems placed in service by qualified solar installers are eligible.

Why can't I install the system myself?
To ensure systems are installed safely, correctly and consistent with operating guidelines, PEC requires that systems be installed by contractors who meet certain licensing and experience criteria. Customers can install the systems themselves, but such installations will not qualify for the PEC SunSense Commercial PV program incentive.

Can I hire any contractor to install my PV?
PEC recommends only certified solar installers. A suggested resource to research qualified installers in your area is the NC Solar Center.

Someone contacted me and offered to own and install a system on my roof. Would I be eligible for this program?
Yes, a third party (solar company, developer, etc.) can own a system on your roof. However, PEC will require your authorization, and all agreements are between the third party and PEC. PEC will pay the incentive to the owner of the system, or in this case, the third party.

Can I offset my electric use under this program, or net-meter?
No. To be eligible for this program, the system must be interconnected to the PEC grid and all electric power generated by the solar panels must flow through a PEC installed meter to the grid.

How will I know if my business is viable for solar PV?
You will need to contact a solar installer to determine if PV is the right choice for your business. The installer can provide the estimated price for a system. A suggested resource to research qualified installers in your area is the NC Solar Center. Customers may also call the North Carolina Solar Center (Toll free from NC at 1.800.33.NCSUN) for additional questions regarding PV technology.

How are these incentives going to be paid for? How much will this cost be on customer bills?
In the Carolinas, the premiums paid under the SunSense program are included in a monthly charge on customers' electric bills. This method of covering the costs was established in the North Carolina Renewable and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (NC REPS). The costs are reviewed annually by the N.C. Utilities Commission and the charges are adjusted to reflect programs and incentives. The current cost for a NC residential customer is 65 cents per month. The current cost for a NC commercial customer is $3.22 per month. 

What is the REPs - Renewable Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard?
In 2007, the North Carolina legislature passed a law requiring utilities in the state to generate a portion of their total energy with renewable energy sources, starting at 3 percent in 2012 and growing to 12.5 percent by 2021. An initial solar energy requirement takes effect in 2010. Part of the overall requirement can be met through energy savings achieved through energy-efficiency measures.

For more information about saving energy in your home or business, and to sign up for Progress Energy's energy efficiency programs, customers can go to www.savethewatts.com.

If I get Progress Energy's PV incentive, can I also get the NC GreenPower incentive?
No. You cannot participate in both programs for the same PV array.

How can contractors become involved in the program?
PEC does not maintain a list of qualified contractors, however, we suggest that customers use the NC Solar Center as a contractor resource. Contractors may also contact the NC Solar Center to be included in their list.

Is my system eligible for incentives if I installed it prior to July 6, 2009?
Only systems that are installed after July 6, 2009 are eligible for incentives. You must complete the program application and receive approval prior to installing your system. To access the program application please click here.

What if an issue arises while my system is being installed?
Please contact your contractor to work through any questions or issues related to system installation.

How will I receive tax information for my participation in the program?
Customers will be required to submit a W-9  as part of the enrollment process and will receive a 1099 statement from PEC at the end of the year for tax purposes.

Where can I get more information about this program?
If the answer to your question cannot be found within this FAQ document or elsewhere on the program web page, an email may be sent to PECbizsolar@pgnmail.com.

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