by Renu Energy | Aug 28, 2025 | Solarize, Uncategorized
Written by: Ken Haldin
Campaign Continues to Offer Attractive Incentives to Add Solar and Battery Power Now
Charlotte, NC – Although the time has passed for newly contracted solar energy systems to be fully installed by 2025, there are still multiple ways to maximize savings and reduce home energy costs through Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg before this Fall’s enrollment deadline for the program.
Launched this summer by a local partnership consisting of the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, the Town of Davidson, and Centralina Regional Council, the limited-time campaign offers benefits uniquely geared to making renewable energy for homes, businesses and nonprofits more affordable locally.
Among the multiple reasons going solar via Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg can provide savings and resiliency:
- Group Discount of up to 20 percent: Group-purchasing discounts have already reached a new 2nd Tier of progressively lower pricing.
- Free and Trusted Evaluations: Those who sign up without obligation by Oct. 31 get a no-cost custom proposal as well as qualify for group discount pricing. All evaluations include projected bill savings over the next 25 years and financial analyses that include payback times and Return on Investment.
- System-Size Discounts: Additional discounts are available for larger system sizes of up to 30 cents per watt.
- Community Support: Via Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg, property owners are not “going it alone.” Campaign organizers bring over a decade of solar experience to help ensure projects meet expectations.
- Duke PowerPair Program: Offering up to $9,000 for qualifying solar + battery systems for a limited time. Additional incentives from Duke are also projected to be at capacity within the next 30 days.
- Duke Bridge Rate: A hybrid net metering rate plan will be available only through 2027.
Under the Solarize model, which has been successfully offered through governmental involvement in other North Carolina communities this decade, the more property owners who buy together, the greater the savings for everyone.
As a community-based group-purchasing program, Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg utilizes a “tiered” pricing structure. The more participants who buy a system, the lower the price for all. Those who act early may be eligible to receive a rebate from Renu Energy Solutions (the locally headquartered installer selected through vetting) at the end of the campaign. This structure makes the final price per watt the same for every buyer.
So far, more than 225 property owners have signed up to receive a solar energy system proposal through the campaign. Participants who signed contracts to make a purchase have already combined to buy 244.8 kW in system power, which equals 507,952 lbs. of CO2 avoided locally.
Batteries have also been added by many of these homeowners to complement their new systems. A total of 364.5 kWh in battery storage has been produced through the campaign.
The overall no-obligation signup deadline for Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenberg remains Oct. 31. Following this, the deadline for residential contracts to be signed is Dec. 31, 2025. (Property owners considering a system for their business or non-profit organization through the program have later deadlines due to the time needed to consider a larger-scale system.)
Interested property owners should go to the program website to learn more about the campaign and enroll with no obligation. A schedule of informational sessions is also available on the website as well as community appearances scheduled by the campaign’s organizers.
About Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg: Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg is a community-based campaign developed to help lower the cost of solar energy and battery-storage installations through the power of bulk purchasing, reducing contractor acquisition costs and transferring those savings to residential and commercial buyers. Communities involved include: the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and Town of Davidson along with others that may join. Centralina Regional Council and Solar Crowdsource are facilitating the program, which launched officially on June 25, 2025.
by Renu Energy | Jun 28, 2025 | Energy Storage, Uncategorized
Overview of Duke Energy’s South Carolina Battery Control Program
Duke Energy offers a Battery Control Program. It is known as Power Manager for Duke Energy Carolinas customers, and EnergyWise Home for Duke Energy Progress customers. The program gives homeowners the opportunity to earn monthly bill credits by allowing Duke to manage a portion of their battery’s stored energy during times of high electricity demand.
These brief “control events” can happen up to 36 times per year and may involve charging, discharging, or holding your battery’s energy for a few hours. Your battery will never be discharged below 20 percent, and you are allowed to opt out of up to four events per year. The program runs automatically in the background and does not affect your battery’s ability to provide backup power.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate, you must:
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Complete an interconnection application with Duke Energy and stay compliant with interconnection standards
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Remain enrolled in the program for at least one year
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Have a qualifying battery system installed
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Maintain a reliable internet connection with your battery system
Note:
How to Enroll
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Visit the program website
Choose the link that matches your provider:
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Click “Enroll Now”
Select your installed battery manufacturer from the list provided.
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Follow the prompt to continue to your battery’s app or portal
A pop-up window will appear and redirect you to your battery manufacturer’s app or website.
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Complete the enrollment steps in the app
While the exact steps may vary by battery brand, you will typically need to:
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Open your battery’s mobile app or web portal
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Navigate to the section related to battery programs or Virtual Power Plant (VPP) participation
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Tap or select “Enroll”
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Confirm or enter your personal information
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Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions
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Tap “Complete” or “Submit” to finish enrollment
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Confirmation
Once submitted, you will see a message like:
“Thank you for applying to the Duke Energy Battery Program. You will receive an email or in-app message with your application status within the next 2 weeks.”
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Monitor your enrollment status
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The initial status will show as Pending
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If accepted, the status will change to Accepted
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You can revisit your battery’s app to review details or opt out if needed
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Keep in mind that unenrolling may result in the loss of monthly credits
Questions?
You can visit the program websites listed above or contact Duke Energy by email at PMBattery@duke-energy.com.
by Renu Energy | May 15, 2025 | Energy Storage, Residential
As hurricane season approaches, residents of the Carolinas must prepare for potential severe weather events. As a trusted solar installer in the Carolinas, Renu Energy Solutions emphasizes the importance of reliable and sustainable energy.
This guide provides insight into how solar + battery backup gives the homeowner energy peace of mind during the severe weather season. Included in this guide are practical steps to ensure that a solar and energy storage system is prepared to keep a home powered through severe weather and power outage events.
Understanding Hurricane Risks in the Carolinas
The Carolinas are susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, leading to widespread power outages and infrastructure damage. Recent events, like Hurricane Helene, have emphasized the need for being prepared. Understanding an area’s specific risks is the first step in effective preparation.
The Role of Solar Energy Storage in Severe Weather Preparation
Solar energy combined with backup batteries provides a reliable power source during outages. These systems ensure essential appliances and devices remain operational when the grid fails. Investing in solar energy storage enhances a home’s resilience against severe weather impacts.
Features of Smart Energy Storage Systems
Systems like Tesla’s Powerwall 3 offer features such as Storm Watch, which automatically charges the battery to full capacity when a storm is forecasted. These smart features ensure maximum energy availability during critical times. Monitoring and managing energy usage is seamless with integrated mobile apps.
Preparing Solar and Battery Systems for Hurricanes
To ensure a solar and battery systems are ready for severe weather, follow these key steps:
- Fully Charge the Battery: Before a storm, ensure the backup battery is fully charged to provide maximum power during potential outages.
- Activate Storm Readiness Features: Enable features like Tesla’s Storm Watch, Enphase’s Storm Guard, or FranklinWH’s Emergency Backup mode to optimize energy storage in anticipation of severe weather.
- Adjust Backup Reserve Settings: Configure the system’s backup reserve to allocate sufficient energy for critical needs during outages, and ensure the battery does not fall below the manufacturer’s recommended minimum charge.
- Inspect and Maintain the System: Regularly inspect the panels and battery for any obvious issues, and ensure energy management apps are up to date. Reach out to a trusted solar service provider such as Sun Service Specialists if there are any issues with a system.
- Conserve Energy During Outages: Limit the use of high-power appliances and focus on essentials like lighting and refrigeration to extend battery life.
For more detailed guidance, refer to our comprehensive article on preparing your backup battery.
Additional Severe Weather Preparedness Tips
Preparing for severe weather doesn’t require drastic measures. Here are some straightforward steps to help stay comfortable and informed:
- Stay Informed: Keep up with local weather updates through trusted sources like the National Weather Service.
- Review Emergency Plans: Ensure everyone in a household knows the plan, including evacuation routes and communication methods.
- Assemble a Basic Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and basic needs.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture and other items that could be picked up by strong winds.
- Check the Home’s Drainage: Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup and reduce the risk of flooding.
By taking these practical steps, homeowners can enhance comfort and safety during severe weather events without unnecessary stress.
Conclusion
Being proactive in severe weather preparation not only safeguards a home but also ensures the well-being of loved ones. With solar energy storage from Renu Energy Solutions, homeowners face the hurricane season with confidence, knowing they are equipped to handle power disruptions effectively.
For more information on enhancing a home’s resilience with solar energy storage with backup batteries, contact Renu Energy Solutions today. Renu is dedicated to providing reliable energy solutions tailored to a homeowner’s needs.
by Renu Energy | Mar 24, 2025 | Energy Storage, Residential
As we welcome March, we also embrace longer days with daylight saving time and the official start of Spring! More sunlight isn’t just great for outdoor activities—it’s also a major benefit for homeowners looking to maximize their energy savings with solar power.
Why More Sun Means More Savings
Did you know that homes with solar panels can generate up to 80% more energy in the summer compared to the winter months?* That’s because longer days and increased sunlight exposure allow solar panels to produce more electricity, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your utility bills.
By switching to solar now, your system could be fully operational by the time the most productive months of the year arrive, ensuring you get the maximum return on your investment.
Maximize Your Energy with Solar + Battery Storage
Solar energy isn’t just about producing power during the day—it’s also about storing energy for when you need it most. With a solar + battery backup solution, you can capture excess energy produced during peak daylight hours and use it later – whether at night, during peak-rate times, or in case of a power outage. This means:
- Less reliance on the grid
- Greater energy independence
- Peace of mind during unexpected outages
Why Spring is the Perfect Time to Make the Switch
Spring is a prime season for solar installations. By making the switch now, your system will be up and running just in time for summer—when solar production is at its highest. This allows you to start saving immediately while taking advantage of incentives and rebates that may be available in your area.
Take Control of Your Energy Future
Don’t wait until peak summer rates kick in—start saving now! Contact Renu Energy Solutions today for a free consultation and see how much you could be saving with solar.
*Source: Duracell Energy
by Renu Energy | Jan 17, 2025 | Energy Storage
Winter is here bringing colder temperatures and unpredictable weather. If you own a solar and backup battery system, now is the time to ensure everything is ready to keep your home powered through the season. Here are practical tips to help you maximize your system’s performance and maintain peace of mind during the winter months.
1. Prioritize Essential Loads
In the event of a grid outage, focus on powering only the most critical appliances and devices such as heating, refrigeration, and medical equipment. Limit the usage of things such as washers, dryers and dishwashers. Limiting non-essential energy use extends your backup battery’s life, ensuring power for what matters most.
2. Activate Your Feature In Your Manufacturer’s App
If your system has a storm watch feature, enable it. This setting allows your battery to anticipate incoming severe weather from the National Weather Service by optimizing energy storage in advance, giving you added confidence when storms are on the horizon.
3. Fully Charge Your Battery
Ahead of any expected power outages, make sure your battery is fully charged. A fully charged battery provides maximum backup power, helping you stay prepared for grid outages.
4. Adjust Your Backup Reserve Settings
Take advantage of your system’s customizable backup reserve settings. This feature lets you allocate a specific portion of your battery’s energy for outages, ensuring you’ll have power when it’s most critical. It is extremely important that you do not let your battery get below 0% charge.
6. Stay Updated with Your Battery Manufacturer
Check your battery manufacturer’s guidelines for updates and recommendations. Regular maintenance and software updates can improve system performance and ensure your battery operates efficiently during the winter months.
7. Understand Solar Production Limits
Solar panels rely on sunlight to generate energy. During a grid outage at night time, you will be completely reliant on the grid if you do not have a battery. If you do have a battery, be mindful and use the tips above to help you stay powered.
Why These Tips Matter
By following these simple steps, you’ll maximize the reliability and efficiency of your solar and backup battery system. These practices not only help you prepare for winter weather but also ensure your home stays powered, safe, and comfortable throughout the season.
At Renu Energy Solutions, we’re here to help you get the most out of your solar and battery setup. Whether you need expert advice or assistance with your system, we’re just a call away.
Stay warm, stay powered, and enjoy the season!
