overview

small solar PV and wind online application

bidding process

types of resources

current generators

Become a renewable energy generator

NC GreenPower recently celebrated its seventh anniversary in October. We are very proud of our positive effect on the environment and the economy in North Carolina by having supported more than 400 renewable energy projects. NC GreenPower is constantly working to add more renewable energy resources to the state's power supply. As additional participants elect to support cleaner energy in North Carolina through contributions to the program, additional generation is added to our existing power mix.

Recently our donations were ahead of our supply of renewable resource generation, so we opened a request for generator proposals. We received bids for nearly eight times the amount of generation that we needed to meet our current demand.

As a result, no competitive bids are currently being accepted for large projects. We are still accepting small solar (10 kW or less through December 31, 2010; 5 kW or less after January 1, 2011) and small wind (<10 kW) through our expedited bidder process. 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. If you would like to be included in RFP emails, please send a request stating so to: bids@ncgreenpower.org

There are three different processes for becoming a generator:

1. Expedited process - Small solar (10kW or less through 12/31/10; 5kW or less after 1/1/11) 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.

NC GreenPower announces a change in premium and capacity limit accepted for new small solar PV agreements, effective January 1, 2011 - We periodically evaluate the costs to implement solar PV and other technologies and adjust, when appropriate, the maximum premiums for new projects. These changes are the direct result of a decision made by the NC GreenPower Board of Directors. Given the reduction in the installation costs for solar PV and the fact that NC GreenPower wants to be able to continue to support as many projects as possible, the following changes have been made:

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. This represents a change from the current rate of $0.15 and capacity of 10 kW or less and will be effective for all applications received after December 31, 2010. In order to receive the current premium of $0.15 per kWh, generators must either complete the small solar PV online application no later than 5 p.m. on December 31, 2010 OR submit a hard copy of the application postmarked no later than December 31, 2010. All applications received after the deadline will be subject to the new premium and capacity restriction.

Additionally, all projects which meet the application deadline MUST be generating to the grid no later than April 30, 2011. "Generating to the grid" is defined as having completed the interconnection process with the local servicing utility AND being able to prove through official documentation (e.g. - electric utility bill or statement) that generation has commenced and is being recorded on or prior to April 30, 2011. If a project meets the application deadline, but fails to meet the generation deadline, the rate stated in their agreement will convert to the new rate of $0.10 per kWh.

Excluded from this adjustment are those projects that have been issued agreements but are not yet generating. These projects are subject to the generating deadline stated in the agreement, which may occur BEFORE April 30, 2011. Any project that is subject to these requirements and fails to meet the generating deadline in its agreement must reapply and will be issued a new agreement under the new terms stated above.

Changes in premium DO NOT affect agreements currently in effect, provided those projects have met all specified requirements. The rates established in these agreements shall be valid through the completion date of the agreement, regardless of any changes in premium for new projects entering the program.

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; such projects 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.

This change in premium does not affect small wind applicants, whose maximum premium will remain the same. NC GreenPower offers small wind systems 10 kW or less at a rate of 9 cents per kWh. 

If you have questions regarding these changes, please contact NC GreenPower for futher information.

Competitive Bid process - All other renewable energy projects
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. 

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.

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.  As with the other two products, 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.

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. 

Power Purchase Agreement
You have the option of setting up a Power Purchase Agreement with your local utility that can be either “Sell All”, “Sell Excess”, or “Net Metering.”  With all three options, you are tied to the local utility and sell electricity to them when produced and use it as needed.  There are charges for the meter whenever you connect to the grid, and these vary by utility.  NC GreenPower agreements are for 5 years, with the option to renew on an annual basis after the initial contract.  As an organization dependent on volunteer contributions, we do not offer contract guarantees.

Sell All:  You sell all of the electricity to the power company.  You can receive an premium for the “Green” part of this electricity, called a Renewable Energy Credit or REC.  For solar PV systems 10 kW or less, NC GreenPower pays 15 cents per kWh until December 31, 2010. As of January 1, 2011, NC GreenPower will pay 10 cents per kWh for all solar PV systems 5 kW or less. Larger systems must submit to our competitive bid process, when available. For wind systems 10 kW or less, NC GreenPower pays 9 cents per kWh. However, once you sell a REC to another entity, you cannot then claim that you use solar electricity in your home. You also cannot sell a REC to more than one 3rd party.

Sell Excess:  You use the solar energy in your home first, and only sell after your loads are met.  Again, you receive a premium for what you sell.

Net Metering:  There may be special rules that apply based on your local utility.  Again, you can sell electricity to the power company, and REC to another organization, if you are producing excess. NC GreenPower does not support net metering.

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