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. This key bill is now under threat by the state legislature.
Facts on the North Carolina Solar Industry
North Carolina ranks 5th in 2012 installed capacity. Share state facts.- There are currently more than 104 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in North Carolina, employing 1,400.
- 74 MW of solar were installed in North Carolina in the fourth quarter of 2012. This marks a 304% increase over the last quarter and a 194% increase over the same quarter last year. North Carolina ranked 4th nationally in Q4 installations. See more solar state rankings.
- In 2012, North Carolina installed 132 MW of solar electric capacity, ranking it 5th nationally.
- The 229 MW of solar energy currently installed in North Carolina ranks the state 6th in the country in cumulative installed solar capacity. There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 22,000 homes.
- In 2012, $16 million was invested in North Carolina to install solar on homes and businesses.
View more solar industry data.
Notable Installations in North Carolina
- The Davidson County Solar Farm is the largest solar far in North Carolina. This 17 MW photovoltaic system came online in 2011 and powers more than 2,600 homes a year.
- Kings Mountain Solar Farm is a 5 MW photovoltaic system that came online in 2012. This project provided over 70 construction jobs and will power more than 600 North Carolina homes.
See our solar installations maps.
Solar Companies in North Carolina
TThere are currently more than 104 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in North Carolina. 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: 26 manufacturers, 16 manufacturing facilities, 44 contractor/installers, 5 project developers, 8 distributors and 21 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
