Progress Energy is committed to developing new, alternative energy sources. As part of that commitment, we are implementing a research study of residential solar water heating that will pay participants $1,000.

We're offering the $1,000 incentive to 150 selected Progress Energy customers in North and South Carolina who purchase and install a qualifying new solar water heating system and meet the requirements of our research study. This incentive is over and above any other federal or state incentives that a homeowner may receive for the installation of a new solar water heating system.

Participants for the study will be selected from among all those that meet the specific criteria needed and who agree to fulfill the requirements of the study. The study begins on July 1, 2009.

Qualifying for the study requires the purchase and installation of a new residential solar water heating system through an authorized installer on or after July 1, 2009. If you apply and are selected to take part in the study, your role will include the completion of surveys/questionnaires over the course of the approximately 18-month study period. Your home may also be chosen for the installation of monitoring equipment (provided at no expense to you). Those selected will be expected to facilitate retrieval of data related to the solar water heating equipment. The monitoring equipment will be removed or disabled at the company's expense when the research study is completed.

Study participants will receive a $1,000 incentive check from Progress Energy after the solar water heating system installation is complete and the system has been inspected and approved by the local authorities.