North Carolina’s solar industry is growing quickly thanks in part to the state’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) that allowed clean energy companies to compete utilities and offer consumers choice in their energy supply.
Facts on the North Carolina Solar Industry
North Carolina ranks 5th in 2012 installed capacity. Share state facts.- There are currently more than 171 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Ohio, employing 2,900.
- In 2012, Ohio installed 25 MW of solar electric capacity, ranking it 16th nationally. See more solar state rankings.
- Ohio ranks 15th in the country in cumulative installed solar capacity. There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 7,700 homes.
- In 2012, $61 million was invested in Ohio to install solar on homes and businesses.
- Average installed residential and commercial photovoltaic system prices in Ohio fell by 26% last year. National prices have also dropped steadily— by 13% from last year and 34% from 2010.
View more solar industry data.
Notable Installations in North Carolina
- Wyandot Solar Facility in Uppee Sandusky was completed in 2010 by developer Juwi Solar Inc. This photovoltaic project has the capacity to generate 10 MW of electricity-- enough to power over 1,000 Ohio homes.
- At 10 MW, Napoleon Solar Project is among the largest solar installations in Ohio. Completed in 2012 by BNB Renewable Energy Holdings, this photovoltaic project has enough electric capacity to power over 1,000 homes.
See our solar installations maps.
Solar Companies in North Carolina
There are currently more than 171 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Ohio. These companies provide a wide variety of solar products and services ranging from solar system installations to the manufacturing of components used in photovoltaic panels. These companies can be broken down across the following categories: 94 manufacturers, 63 manufacturing facilities, 45 contractor/installers, 8 project developers, 11 distributors and 13 engaged in other solar activities including financing, engineering and legal support.
North Carolina State Solar Policy Resources
North Carolina Energy Division - Find a wide variety of information on state government energy programs, policy, projects, energy-saving strategies and energy-related statistics
North Carolina Utilities Commission – Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of North Carolina public utilities
North Carolina General Assembly – Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in North Carolina
NC Sustainable Energy Association - Learn about ways you can advocate for clean energy in North Carolina
DSIRE Incentives Database - North Carolina – Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in North Carolina and across the United States
U.S. Energy Information Administration - North Carolina State Profile – Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government
