Renewable Generation

Renewable generation consists of many types, including but not limited to solar, wind and geothermal. Most commonly seen in our service area is renewable generation produced by the sun. Within our cooperative we have more than 200 members that are participating in the production of renewable energy. If you are considering joining this group and want to learn more about rate schedules, rebates and our interconnection policy, see the list of resource below or call 800.222.3107 and ask to speak to Jay Berry, an energy expert at Piedmont Electric.

Important Renewable Generation Member Resources

Net metering

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What is net metering?

Net metering is a utility billing process that allows members with distributed generation systems, like solar, to subtract the electrcity generated at their home from what they use. This helps to reduce their monthly power bill. If the generation is more than the member’s entire electricity consumption during the month, Piedmont Electric will purchase that generation at a wholesale power rate. Excess generation beyond consumption is credited at $0.0347 / kWh.

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How does net metering work?

With net metering, any energy generated that is not being used by the homeowner is fed into the electric grid. When this happens, the member’s meter runs in reverse. When a member’s system isn’t producing enough electricity (like at night or on cloudy days) members can draw from the grid. This back-and-forth between the member’s system and the grid ensures that the member will always be supplied with the power they need.

How Net Metering Works. Photovoltaic Solar Example. 1. solar panels convert energy from the sun into electricity. 2. An inverter converts the electricity produced by the solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for use in your home, school or business. 3. The energy is used in your home, school or business. 4. A bi-directional meter measures energy used and excess energy produced.
Interconnection to our system, along with net metering, allows this bidirectional transmission of energy between the member’s home and the electric grid to be possible.
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Will net metering members receive a monthly check for the excess energy generated?

No. With net metering, members will not receive a separate payment from Piedmont Electric for their excess generation. Instead, any excess energy produced will offset the member’s total electricity bill during the month. Excess energy will be credited on a separate line item (Net Metering Over-Generation) in the Detail of Charges section which will offset other billing charges. If the credit exceeds all the billing charges, the credit will be carried over to the next month.

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Who can participate in Piedmont Electric’s net metering program?

Residential, commercial and industrial members that meet the requirements of Piedmont Electric’s Interconnection Policy are eligible to participate. The most common net metering members are residential members with solar systems that generate no greater than 25 kWh. A larger commercial or industrial member will have a different rate and set of charges. See Piedmont Electric’s Rates and Interconnection Policy for more information.

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Can a solar array fully power a home?

Yes and no. An appropriately sized solar system will provide most of the power a member’s home needs during the daytime, but at night and on cloudy days, it will not. Our electric grid will supply energy to our net metering members during the times their systems are not producing enough energy on their own.

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What are the benefits of net metering?

Net metering has the potential to save homeowners hundreds of dollars on their utility bills every year. Unfortunately, this usually does not offset the high cost of installing their solar energy system.

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How much is excess generation credited at?

Excess generation beyond consumption is credited at $0.347/kWh.

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What is the net metering charge?

The bi-directional meter charge is $5.00/month.

NC Greenpower logo

Piedmont Electric partners with NC GreenPower, an independent nonprofit whose mission is to expand public knowledge and acceptance of cleaner energy technologies to all North Carolinians through local, community-based initiatives. Many members have signed up to make monthly contributions to the program, which combined with thousands of other consumers across the state, are working to protect our environment through their tax-deductible contributions.

You Can Help Protect the Environment by Contributing to NC GreenPower!

Now, you have a convenient and effective way to help protect our environment and support STEM education! The program is designed to improve the environment by supporting renewable energy, carbon offset projects and providing grants for educational solar installations at N.C. K-12 schools. Customers may elect to contribute on their utility bill to help support a cleaner environment through electricity produced from renewable resources.

For every $4 donated, 125 kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy is supplied to the electric grid in North Carolina, rather than from traditional sources. In addition, each $4 donation will also help support their Solar+ Schools program, providing grants to NC K-12 schools for educational solar installations. Donations to carbon offsets may be made on their website here. Utilities participating in the NC GreenPower program keep none of these funds; all contributions are forwarded by the utilities directly to NC GreenPower. Contributions are tax free and qualify as a tax-deductible contribution for income tax purposes.

The NC GreenPower Solar+ Schools grant application opens annually from January 2 – February 28. All K-12 schools in North Carolina are eligible to apply. Please visit their website for more information: https://www.ncgreenpower.org/solar-schools/.

Read more about NC GreenPower via their website or check out the NC GreenPower Frequently Asked Questions.

NC GreenPower, an independent nonprofit organization, was approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission to provide North Carolinians with greater options for their energy sources. NC GreenPower is committed to improving environmental protection by increasing renewable energy sources. NC GreenPower is a subsidiary of Advanced Energy, located in Raleigh, N.C.