RFP > Frequently Asked Questions
Renewable Energy FAQ
Carbon Offset FAQ
Renewable Energy - Frequently Asked Questions
Does NC GreenPower award grants for the purchase of equipment?
No, NC GreenPower is structured to buy the "green" qualities of power provided to the NC utility grid. We pay a premium to generators for Renewable Energy Credits delivered to the grid, not the equipment used to generate that power.
My company would like to have an opportunity to respond to your RFP. Do you have any sample responses for us to review?
We are dedicated to increasing the renewable generation mixture in North Carolina and have a deep need to increase the amount of green energy being generated in the state. Unfortunately, in order to keep fairness within the process, we are not able to share any information regarding previous responses to RFPs and are not able to specifically aid any generators in preparing a proposal.
In reviewing proposals we are looking for proposals to be easy to read and easy to compare to other proposals, but not necessarily scripted as each proposed solution will have individual challenges and constraints. Our goals are to provide the cleanest, most viable solutions at the best price, so we would expect any response to address all of those criteria in the most succinct manner that is reasonable.
My company is a REC aggregator for several solar PV systems in N.C. These systems are located on the same large piece of property but are individual systems with separate meters and individual owners. Are we able to submit separate bids for each system since each has its own meter and PPA?
As an aggregator, you can bid the separate solar PV projects in as one big project so long as the individual projects can provide utility confirmation of monthly generation amounts. You may also bid the projects in separately if you prefer; monthly generation reports from the utility would be required here as well. For our May 1, 2012 - June 1, 2012 RFP, the systems must be over 5kW.
How are suppliers selected?
Most suppliers are selected through a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process. When new generation is required to support NC GreenPower participant subscriptions, the program resource committee will issue an RFP for specific resources needed to complete the current resource mix. Interested suppliers are invited to prepare proposals detailing their projects, costs, timelines, etc., from which the resource committee will select generators for the program.
An exception to this process involves small solar PV (5 kW and under) and wind projects (10 kW and under). These installations are permitted to enter an expedited generation contract that forgoes the RFP 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 supplier being eligible to become a generator for the program and receive payments for power added to the grid.
Is there a current list of producers to the NC GreenPower program?
A list of current generators and their locations can be found here.
Does NC GreenPower provide funds for equipment and technologies?
While we do provide a financial premium once a system is producing energy, NC GreenPower does not provide loans, grants, development funding, or any pre-production incentive toward the purchase of renewable energy technologies. The NC GreenPower program only provides financial premiums for energy added to the grid by qualified program generators.
Are there financial incentives available to help offset the purchase of equipment?
Yes. North Carolina offers very attractive financial incentives for individuals and organizations interested in purchasing and installing renewable energy technologies. There are also federal incentives available, as well as a number of lenders offering energy efficient mortgages that can assist in offsetting the initial costs of equipment. For a complete listing of financial incentives available, please visit the DSIRE database (maintained by the N.C. Solar Center).
How much capacity is NC GreenPower able to accept for large solar PV, such as a 1,000 kW system?
While we do not limit the size of solar PV projects, historically accepted projects have not exceeded 200 kW. Our ability to accept a bid depends on our level of voluntary funding and the premium amount the project is requesting. However, we are not currently accepting any bids.
For additional resource FAQ, please visit that section here.
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Carbon Offset - Frequently Asked Questions
The first quality requirement states that "indirect emission reductions from energy generation are not eligible". Would this requirement catch fuel switching projects where the project proponent has switched away from grid-purchased electricity to generating their own natural gas-fired power?
This would not be eligible because the emissions are indirect. In the case where the emission reductions are indirect (i.e. reducing the consumption of electricity), a consumer of electricity does not directly emit carbon, but the utility creating that electricity does. As a result, the utility would see a potential reduction in the burning of fossil fuel, and would own any resulting direct carbon reductions. As NC GreenPower is buying carbon offsets, we must buy from the actual owner of those reductions; ideally, we are looking for cases where a facility is going out of its way to create these reductions (see criterion number 2 relating to additionality and projects being beyond business as usual). A clear example would be a landfill that captures its methane gas on a voluntary basis.
I would like to propose energy efficiency carbon offsets for projects we have completed in the North Carolina area, but am not sure if they will qualify. Can you please let me know the intent of the exclusion of indirect emission reductions so I will be able to understand if the offsets we have developed in North Carolina would be acceptable?
Please see the answer to the first question. We do not accept indirect carbon offsets because the reduction is assumed, but not absolute; in addition, the likely owner of those reductions will be the electric utility.
In section 2.8, Verified and Verifiable, it says "Copies of all verification reports and supporting documentation/materials (e.g., project protocols or design documents) must be provided." Do you need this documentation now, or if we are selected?
While we do not need specific verification documentation to select the proposal, we need both assurance of the methodology and assurance that it has or will be done in the proposal.
For additional carbon FAQ, please visit that section here.
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