overview

small solar PV and wind online application

bidding process

types of resources

current generators

Become a renewable energy generator

We are still accepting small solar PV systems (5 kW or less capacity) and small wind (10 kW or less) through our expedited bidder process. We are not currently seeking competitive bids for large projects. Should we have a need in the future for large projects, we will issue an RFP by making an announcement on the homepage of our website and sending an email blast to our current database.

There are three different processes for becoming a generator:

1. Expedited process - Small solar (5kW or less) and wind (10kW or less)
2. Competitive bids - All other renewable energy projects
   (Currently closed)
3. Brokered bids - For larger volume

Expedited bidder process - Small solar and wind
Small solar and wind installations are permitted to enter an expedited generation agreement that forgoes the bidding process. This expedited process will be available so long as generation from small wind and solar is needed. As with all resources, interconnection must be completed and a power purchase agreement obtained prior to the generator being eligible to participate in the program and receive payments for power added to the grid.

The maximum premium for all new small solar PV agreements of 5 kW or less will be adjusted to $0.10 per kWh generated, effective January 1, 2011. We offer small wind systems 10 kW or less a rate of $0.09 per kWh. 

If two or more solar PV arrays with a combined rating of greater than 5 kW are installed on any piece of property with a single deed or owner, they will not be considered as Small Solar PV projects even if they are owned by different individuals and separately metered. Small Solar PV projects that exceed 5 kW are not eligible for our Expedited bidder process, even if they are submitted as multiple 5 kW installations. Applications will only be accepted for 5 kW and under. Projects that exceed 5 kW will need to submit a bid proposal for consideration when an RFP is issued by NC GreenPower, as they are regarded as Large Solar PV projects. The proposal will be reviewed in the competitive bid process when available.  If there is any question about a specific project, NC GreenPower may request a deed/documentation as proof of land ownership.  The decision about qualification for the expedited application process will be up to the discretion of NC GreenPower.

If you have any additional questions, please contact NC GreenPower for further information.

Sign up for RFP email alerts here.

Competitive Bid process - All other renewable energy projects
Generators may bid into the program either in response to a public solicitation for resources or to be added for consideration in the Brokered Bids product. At the current time, no open competitive bids are being accepted for any large projects. If you have a question that you don’t see answered on our website, please submit your question to the NC GreenPower Resource Manager via email: bids@ncgreenpower.org.  When questions are relevant for other bidders, we will also post answers to these questions in our Resource FAQ section.

Sign up for RFP email alerts here.

Other resources with information on selling RECs include, but are not limited to:

• DSIRE (Database of Incentives) http://www.dsireusa.org/
• Duke Energy Unsolicited Bid Process
• NCSU Solar Center http://www.ncsc.ncsu.edu/
• Progress Energy Residential SunSense Program
• Sol Systems North Carolina REC partners
• TVA Generation Partners Program

Brokered bids for larger volume
The brokered bids product for NC GreenPower provides customers interested in spending $15,000 or more annually on renewable energy credits with another option.  NC GreenPower accepts bids on a continual basis.  Producers complete an application (Bid Sheet) with pertinent project information, a bid amount and a date through which the bid is available.  These bids create a portfolio of available renewable energy projects. 

Customers participating at the minimum purchase level or higher have access to the portfolio and can select a piece of a project, an entire project or multiple projects of interest to them, which are within their price range.  NC GreenPower would essentially serve as a broker between the producer and the NC GreenPower customer to facilitate an offer and payment through NC GreenPower. A purchase of brokered bids products may be subject to unique terms and conditions including the prepayment of fees. 

Producers may bid into the program for consideration in the Brokered Bids product at any time.

Sign up for RFP email alerts here.

To find out more about the Competitive bid process and our current producer bidding process, view our bidder instructions.

At this time, we cannot share any price information for the competitive or brokered or bid process. However, we do expect larger solar PV and wind systems to come in below our standard rates for small solar PV and wind. 

To learn more, click here to visit our Bidding Process webpage.

For additional general FAQ, please visit that section here.