overview

small solar PV and wind online application

bidding process

types of resources

current generators

Become a renewable energy generator

NC GreenPower announces a change in premium and capacity limit for new small solar PV agreements, effective January 1, 2011. Click for more info.

We have updated our bidder instructions with some changes to agreement terms and quantity of generation sought. 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. 

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.

There are three different processes for becoming a generator:

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

Expedited bidder process - Small solar and wind <10kW
Small solar and wind installations of 10 kW or less capacity are permitted to enter an expedited generation agreement that forgoes the bidding process. This expedited process will be available so long as generation of small wind and solar is needed. As with all resources, interconnection must be completed and a power purchase agreement obtained prior to the producer being eligible to participate in the program and receive payments for power added to the grid.

NC GreenPower offers small wind systems 10 kW or less 9 cents per kWh. 

NOTICE OF CHANGE IN PREMIUM AND CAPACITY ACCEPTED FOR NEW SMALL SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) AGREEMENTS - 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 31, 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 31, 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 31, 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. If your project is nearing its deadline for generation and you feel you cannot meet this date, please contact NC GreenPower on or before December 31, 2010 to seek alternative arrangements to ensure preservation of your current agreed-upon premium.

NC GreenPower periodically evaluates the costs to implement solar PV and other technologies and adjusts, when appropriate, the maximum premiums for new projects. Any 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 as they are regarded as Large Solar PV projects.  The proposal will be reviewed in the competitive bid process.  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.

If you have questions regarding this change, please contact NC GreenPower for futher information.

Competitive Bid process - All other renewable energy projects
Our Competitive Bid process provides added flexibility for potential producers and for NC GreenPower in selecting resource for the program. Periodically, new resources are required to meet the demands of NC GreenPower's two major products. Resources are selected via a request for proposals with submitted projects evaluated for selection into the program.

At this time, we cannot share any price information for the competitive 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. 

Producers 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.

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

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 either in response to a public solicitation for resources or to be added for consideration in the Brokered Bids product.

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

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 under 10 kW, 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 under 5 kW. Larger systems must submit to our competitive bid process. For wind systems under 10 kW, 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 an 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.