Solar Power in the Carolina’s: The Benefits and the Numbers

Solar Power in the Carolina’s: The Benefits and the Numbers

by | Feb 7, 2023 | Renu Blog, Residential

The Carolinas are home to sunny skies, making them an ideal location for harnessing the power of the sun. In recent years, the use of solar energy has been on the rise in both North Carolina and South Carolina. Here are some of the benefits of solar power in the Carolinas, supported by statistics.

  1. Clean Energy: Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source that does not produce any emissions or pollutants. In the Carolinas, the use of solar energy reduces the dependence on fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to air pollution.
  2. Cost Savings¹: Installing a solar power system can significantly reduce electricity costs for homeowners and businesses. According to EnergySage, the average cost of solar panels in North Carolina is $3.14 per watt, which can result in savings of thousands of dollars over the life of the system.
  3. Job Creation²: The solar industry is a major employer in the Carolinas, creating thousands of jobs in installation, maintenance, and management. In 2020, North Carolina ranked 8th in the nation for solar jobs, with over 8,000 workers in the industry.
  4. Increased Property Value³: Homes and buildings with solar power systems have been shown to have a higher resale value. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that homes with solar panels sold for an average of 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar.
  5. Supports the Grid: Solar power not only reduces energy costs, but it also supports the grid by reducing the demand for energy from traditional power plants during peak hours. This helps to prevent blackouts and brownouts during hot summer months, which are a common problem in the Carolinas.
  6. State and Federal Incentives⁴: Both North Carolina and South Carolina offer a range of incentives to encourage the adoption of solar power, including tax credits, rebates, and grants. The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) also provides a credit for 26% of the cost of a solar power system for homeowners and businesses.

Solar power in the Carolinas offers a range of benefits to homeowners, businesses, and the community as a whole. The sunny skies, cost savings, job creation, increased property value, support for the grid, and state and federal incentives make it an attractive option for those looking to transition to clean and renewable energy.

Clean Energy: The information on solar power being a clean and renewable energy source that does not produce emissions or pollutants is a widely known fact.

¹https://www.energysage.com/solar/cost/north-carolina/.

²Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) (https://www.seia.org/research-resources/north-carolina-solar-industry-data).

³The study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory  https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/61669.pdf.

⁴Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) (https://www.dsireusa.org/).

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season with Solar

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season with Solar

by | May 16, 2020 | Residential

Protect Your Solar-Powered Home Against Hurricane Season

Solar panels, just like any outdoor equipment, are exposed to all types of inclement weather, especially in the Carolinas where we usually experience a pretty busy hurricane season. If you are considering going solar but are unsure about weather conditions, you can be assured that solar panels are resilient and reliable. 

With solar when there is a power surge or blackout, your solar system will shut down. However, when you pair your system with energy storage (Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell) your panels will continue to function normally and provide you with the power you need.

It is also good to mention that your panels are designed to withstand storms, even during a hurricane season. There is never a reason to prepare your panels for storms or even remove them. Following a storm, be sure to use caution and inspect your panels from the ground. It is helpful if you take photos of your panels just as you would for other investments in case you need to contact your insurance company if you do experience any damage. 

How to Prepare for a Blackout with a Solar Energy System

Most home-owners with solar have a “grid-tied” solar system. With a grid-tied system, any excess energy that isn’t used is then sent back to the grid. During a blackout, the grid is shut off which leaves you in the dark. To prevent this from happening and ensuring you and your family can keep the lights on, we recommend pairing your panels with energy storage. Please feel free to check out our blogs on the Tesla Powerwall and the Generac PWRcell.

We at Renu can assure you that going solar with energy storage is the best method in prevailing through storms and blackouts. Take charge of your energy and never be left in the dark again. 

Contact us today for your free consultation and prepare for the storms ahead: https://renuenergysolutions.com/free-solar-consultation

About Renu Energy Solutions

As our tagline states, we believe in Smart. Reliable. Solar.

Smart.

Customer education is a central pillar of Renu Energy’s approach. Homeowners and businesses are seeing the clear economic and environmental advantages of clean solar energy. Our experienced consultants are here to help guide you through renewable energy improvements that are both wise for the planet and prudent for your financial future.

Reliable.

Since 2010, Renu Energy Solutions has provided quality renewable energy system installations for commercial and residential systems.

Solar technology works. The sun’s energy is plentiful. The Renu Energy team is ready to demonstrate to you that we can deliver a durable, powerful solar solution guaranteed to meet or exceed energy projections for five years.

Solar.

We envision a future where most buildings incorporate clean energy. Because solar panels have come down in price significantly over several years, it’s within reach of many customers and has become popular across the country.

Whatever your reason for considering solar, let Renu Energy be your committed partner for devising and building your ideal solar solution.