What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is electricity that is produced from cleaner resources, including the sun, wind, water and organic matter. Renewable energy sources are readily replenished by nature and are a cleaner source of energy.
Does Progress Energy allow renewable generators on its system?
Yes. Progress Energy cares about the environment we live in. We partner with organizations throughout our service territory to support hydrogen, solar and other forms of renewable and alternative energy. Additionally, we allow customers who own their own electric renewable generation systems to connect to our distribution system as long as they are interconnected according to procedures that have been adopted to safely protect the customer and Progress Energy.
What do I do to start the process of interconnecting my renewable generator source with Progress Energy in order to sell generated electricity?
Progress Energy has developed a step-by-step procedure that outlines the essential steps for interconnecting a renewable generation source to our system. You may access this procedure at the following links: Sell-All Toolkit Net Metering Toolkit
Will Progress Energy purchase the generator output?
Customers have the option of selling excess electricity generated by their system back to Progress Energy. Customers electing to sell back excess power can do so under the Cogeneration and Small Power Producer tariff if the system is 10kW or less (systems between 10 kW and 100 kW can also sell back excess power). This rate schedule is applicable only to qualifying facilities electing to configure their systems such that they are safely interconnected with Progress Energy.
What is a Qualifying Facility (QF)?
In order to be an eligible Qualifying Facility and receive energy credits from Progress Energy under the CSP tariff, the Qualifying Facility must be a hydroelectric, solar, wind, hog or poultry waste-fueled or non-animal biomass-fueled. The Seller is a Qualifying Facility as defined by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Order No. 70 under Docket No. RM79-54. The homeowner must provide proof from FERC that they are a Qualifying Facility prior to receiving energy credits from Progress Energy.
What if I do not want to sell my power to Progress Energy? What is Net Metering?
If you are generating power with your renewable generator, you may choose to offset your own energy consumption rather than selling the output to Progress Energy. This is referred to as Net Metering. Under such an agreement, the homeowner will receive credit for any net power flowing back to Progress Energy and effectively allows the utility to store excess generation for consumption by the customer at a later date. See the Net Metering for more information.
Does Progress Energy offer any rebates to homeowners for the installation of onsite renewable generation sources?
At this time, Progress Energy does not offer any rebates for the installation of renewable generation sources. However, The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive, user-friendly and free source of information on state, local, utility and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. With a single click of the mouse, DSIRE provides you with a list of renewable energy incentives available in any U.S. state you choose.
What types of generation can homeowners install?
Operation of customer-owned electric power generation sources can take many forms, all of which involve special attention to safety for customers and Progress Energy employees. Customers do not have to contact Progress Energy about non-paralleling (electrically isolated) generation, but should take care to operate their generator safely to protect both themselves and Progress Energy employees (See generator safety tips). Customer-owned generation sources that are continuously paralleled with the Progress Energy system (exporting/selling power or non-exporting): must be interconnected under the NC Interconnection Standards or SC Interconnection Standards.
How does a homeowner ensure that the generation can be operated safely?
Customers should always ensure that their generation sources are installed and operated according to the manufacturer's specification as well as the electrical codes established by national and local authority. Customers do not have to contact Progress Energy about non-paralleling (electrically isolated) generation, but should take care to operate their generator safely to protect both themselves and Progress Energy employees (See generator safety tips). Customer-owned generation sources that are continuously paralleled with the Progress Energy system (exporting/selling power or non-exporting): must be interconnected under the NC Interconnection Standards or SC Interconnection Standards.
How do I decide whether to sell my generated electricity or consume it myself?
Progress Energy supports innovative ways to use and conserve energy sources that protect our environment. To that end, we have procedures and tariffs that can accommodate either decision. Customers should carefully evaluate the various economic and technical considerations when making their choice. There are various resources (non-profit organizations, government, vendors, etc.) that provide valuable tools and information for making these decisions.
Where can I see an installation and discuss the benefits of solar energy?
The Solar House at the North Carolina Solar Center (NCSC) is one of the most visible and visited solar buildings in the United States. NCSC actively participates, often taking a lead role, in several important national and statewide programs related to renewable energy.
Where can I obtain more information about self-generation options?
Get the facts. Review additional sources to find out more information on the various renewable resources. Contact at least three vendors. Since the decision to invest in clean energy technology is frequently impacted by many site specific factors, we recommend that prospective applicants get started by talking with at least three different vendors early in the project development stage.
What is NC GreenPower?
NC GreenPower is a statewide effort to improve North Carolina's environment by using green power, electricity generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, biomass and water. The non-profit NC GreenPower organization is the result of collaboration among electric utilities, environmentalists, state regulators and energy generators.
What is Palmetto Clean Energy (PaCE)?
Palmetto Clean Energy (PaCE) is a statewide effort to encourage the development of renewable resources that improve the environment through reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The non-profit PaCE organization is the result of collaboration among electric utilities, environmentalists, state regulators and energy generators.
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