The provision was little used in North Carolina until last fall. But it became crucial after the passage of the GOP budget law, which still offers commercial entities a 30% tax credit for solar arrays through at least the end of next year.
That means installers and other third parties can access the incentive and pass the savings on to residential customers. The models for doing so vary, but rooftop companies say the bottom line is similar across the board: Many solar customers can immediately start paying less each month for their electricity.
“Leasing is now alive and well,” said Clary Franko, chief operating officer of Asheville-based Sugar Hollow Solar, who noted at least half of her customers are going that route. “It’s actually the most cost-effective residential option I’ve seen yet in North Carolina.”
Some installers are offering their own leases. Others are partnering with one or more of the 20-some third-party lessors registered with state regulators, including homegrown companies like Durham’s Enerwealth Solutions.
The deal can be even sweeter for Duke customers who pair solar with battery storage. Through programs called EnergyWise Home and Power Manager, those households get a monthly incentive for allowing the utility to tap their batteries 30 to 36 times per year.
