April 10, 2024 | Posted In: Press Release
The Blue Horizons Project, a program of Green Built Alliance, is excited to promote Duke Energy’s PowerPair SM Rebate Program to help North Carolina homeowners save on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint by adopting solar energy with battery backup systems. During a time when the cost of electricity is projected to rise over 14% over the next three years, PowerPair provides incentives for customers who want to combine the cost savings and environmental benefits of solar power with the reliability and security of backup battery storage.
“Boosting residential solar is key to transitioning our region to 100% clean energy and adding battery storage to a home’s solar system helps make our community more resilient, said Michelle Myers, Chair of the Blue Horizons Project Community Council. “PowerPair offers homeowners a unique opportunity to integrate solar energy into their homes in order to reduce emissions and realize substantial savings during a time when electricity costs are rising.”
With an enrollment period open from May 10 to June 7, 2024, this pilot program aims to bring the cost of clean energy systems down significantly by offering up to $9000 in rebates to homeowners in Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress who install a qualified solar + battery system. Combining solar with on-site battery storage allows homeowners to store excess energy produced by solar panels during the day to be used when the sun is not shining or as backup power during outages.
Cassie Gavin, Director of Policy at the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), expressed support for the program, stating, “NCSEA applauds the new solar plus storage pilot program for Duke Energy customers in North Carolina. The PowerPair program will offer incentives for homeowners to install new solar and battery storage together, resulting in carbon emissions reductions and customer savings.”
Two Western North Carolina-based solar companies, Sugar Hollow Solar and Sundance Power Systems, are approved “Duke Trade Allies” and Green Built Alliance members. To help ensure smooth installation and interconnection of the new clean energy systems to the utility grid, households must work with qualified Duke Trade Allies to receive the PowerPair rebate. Both Sugar Hollow Solar and Sundance Power Systems are enthusiastic about the incentives this program offers Western North Carolina households looking to transition to clean energy.
“The PowerPair rebate offers homeowners a valuable opportunity to adopt solar power and battery backup systems,” said Doug Ager, Co-Founder and CEO at Sugar Hollow Solar. “We are committed to supporting households in understanding and accessing this incentive and realizing the financial and environmental benefits of renewable energy.”
Dave Hollister, CEO, of Sundance Power Systems said “PowerPair is an incredible opportunity to get a new solar system with battery storage at a great price. This program will help build a smarter grid and better energy future for all!”
As part of the Blue Horizons Project’s efforts to support the City of Asheville and Buncombe County’s equitable transition to 100% clean energy by 2042, the organization seeks to inform and assist households in accessing this valuable incentive. The Random Selection Process window to sign up for the PowerPair program will be open from May 10 to June 7, 2024, with incentive reservation or waitlist placement communicated by June 20, 2024. After that date, enrollment will resume on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more about the Duke Energy PowerPair Rebate Program and how to participate, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/PowerPair.
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About Blue Horizons Project
The Blue Horizons Project, a program of the nonprofit Green Built Alliance, was developed to enlist public support and provide easy access to resources that allow everyone to be a part of creating a clean energy future. Members include representatives from local government, businesses and institutions along with environmental and clean energy advocates. The project aims to address the current climate crisis by leading Buncombe County in achieving its community-wide renewable energy goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy in a just and equitable way by 2042 through community engagement and collaboration with Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, and Duke Energy.
About Green Built Alliance
Green Built Alliance strives everyday to be in service to our community and environment through a holistic set of programs and resources designed to help you and your neighbors make sustainable building and clean energy choices that save money, help the environment and boost equity and inclusion. The nonprofit has a 22-year history of advancing sustainable living, green building and climate justice through inspired action, community education and collaborative partnerships in Western North Carolina and beyond. The membership-based nonprofit makes sustainability more accessible to the community through its efforts distributing 30,000 copies of the annual Green Home & Living Guide (formerly known as the Green Building Directory); coordinating the Appalachian Offsets carbon-offsetting program; managing the Blue Horizons Project community campaign to help create our region’s clean energy future; and administering green-building certifications through the Green Built Homes program. Learn more or get involved by becoming a member or making a tax-deductible donation at greenbuilt.org.
About North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association
The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association is a nonprofit organization working to advance clean energy solutions in North Carolina. NCSEA advocates for policies and programs that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation to create a more resilient and equitable energy future.
About Sugar Hollow Solar
Established in 2010, Sugar Hollow Solar is the largest local solar installation company, dedicated to providing innovative solutions that transition homes, businesses, and nonprofits away from fossil fuels. With a focus on beautifully designed, people-first solutions, Sugar Hollow Solar offers solar electric systems, battery backup, maintenance services, and EV charger installations.
About Sundance Power Systems
Sundance Power Systems has empowered people with solar since 1995. Sundance designs, installs, and services solar electric systems for homeowners, businesses, churches, schools, and more. Sundance has deep experience with battery storage, and radiant heat, and has an experienced team of service technicians. Own your power!
Media Contact
Jamie Wine
Clean Energy Program Manager, Green Built Alliance
[email protected]
(828) 254-1995