Two major Duke Energy solar energy programs are rolling out this month in North Carolina, in hopes of making solar more abundant and affordable for customers, representatives said.

“Duke Energy’s solar rebates and the competitive bidding program have been highly anticipated and will drive further solar-related investment, job creation and economic development for North Carolina,” said David Fountain, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “They reflect many of the positive aspects of the Competitive Energy Solutions for North Carolina legislation and will provide financial benefits to residential and commercial customers.”

The two programs hit milestones this week:

Solar rebates – Applications are being accepted now from customers interested in Duke Energy’s five-year, $62 million solar rebate program.

The program is expected to more than double the number of private solar energy customers in North Carolina over the next five years. Customers wishing to apply may visit duke-energy.com/NCSolarRebates.

Competitive bidding RFP – Duke Energy is looking to add 680 megawatts of renewable energy in the Carolinas to increase its diverse energy mix.

The company recently filed a request for proposal for companies to build future large-scale solar or other renewable facilities in the Duke Energy territories of North Carolina and South Carolina. At peak output, 680 MW of solar capacity can power more than 100,000 homes, representatives said.

“The new programs that Duke Energy is now introducing will continue to spur the growth of solar energy, contributing to economic development while helping to protect the environment,” said Peter M. Schwarz, professor of economics and associate at the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center, University of North Carolina Charlotte.

– Submitted article