Who is eligible to participate in the programs?
What size systems are eligible?
How do I sign up?
Will my project be automatically accepted?
When will I know if my application has been accepted?
If my application is accepted, what are the next steps?
How much will PEC pay for my energy and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)?
What is the average cost of a solar water heating system?
Can I install the system myself?
Why can't I install the systems myself?
Can I hire any contractor to install my solar water heating system?
Someone contacted me and offered to own and install a system on my roof. Would I be eligible for this program?
How will I know if my business is viable for solar water heating?
How are these incentives going to be paid for? How much will this cost on customer bills?
What is the REPS - Renewable and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard?
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?
Who can I call to get more information about these programs?

What size systems are eligible?
Rooftop mounted solar water heating systems ranging in size from 1,200 to 4,000 square feet of collector area (roughly 30 to 100 solar thermal panels).

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

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?
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 accepted, what are the next steps?
Customers must enter an agreement to sell all of the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from the system to PEC for a 10-year term. Customers must install a BTU meter on the system and provide monthly readings to PEC for payment. If your application is accepted, a PEC representative will contact you with detailed information to assist in this process.

How much will PEC pay for my Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)?
The payment is $20/REC for all metered thermal energy. Payment is subject to application acceptance and contract execution. [1 REC is equivalent to 3,412,000 BTUs or British Thermal Units]

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 water heating system?
The installed cost of a commercial solar photovoltaic system varies by system type and size. 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, Progress Energy 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 Progress Energy financial incentive.

Can I hire any contractor to install my solar water heating system?
PEC recommends only certified solar installers. A suggested resource to research qualified installers in your area is www.ncsc.ncsu.edu/gosolarnc.

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 thrid party and PEC. PEC will pay the owner of the system, or in this case, the third party.

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

How are these incentives going to be paid for? How much will this cost on customer bills?
In the Carolinas, this cost is being rolled into what customers are already paying for the North Carolina Renewable and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (NC REPS). That rider is reviewed annually by the N.C. Utilities Commission and adjusted to reflect programs and incentives. The current cost for a residential customer is 65 cents per month. The current cost for a commerical customer is $3.22 per month. The current cost for industrial customers is $32.20 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.

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. Customers must complete the program application and receive approval prior to installing your system. An application form is located on the website at SunSense Commercial Solar Water Heating.

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.

Who can I call to get more information about these programs?
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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