N.C. solar-energy prospects could dim soon, says Duke University report

“Just seven years ago, North Carolina produced virtually no solar energy. But solar-friendly policies at the state and
federal levels and a robust group of investors, developers, contractors and manufacturers have created rapid changes,” say Christopher Gergen and Stephen Martin in a commentary that appeared recently in the Charlotte Observer. They continue, “A report released last month by the Duke University Center on Globalization, Governance and Competitiveness found that the state now ranks No. 1 in the Southeast and fourth nationally for solar energy capacity.”

“[T]he Duke report noted some major obstacles for the industry, led by the potential demise of the N.C. Renewable Energy
Investment Tax Credit, established in 1977 and set to expire at the end of this year,” the author say.

Gergen and Martin also cite an ongoing struggle over what the rates major utility companies utility companies should pay to small independent power producers for energy the utility companies re-sell. Those rates are renegotiated every two years in North Carolina.

The Duke University report found:

1) Solar-friendly policies have made North Carolina No. 1 in the South and No. 4 in the country for installed solar investment. All parts of the solar value chain – investors, solar developers, construction contractors, solar panel and component manufacturers – are creating jobs and providing landowners,workers and towns across North Carolina with income and tax revenue.

2) The solar industry’s growth in North Carolina is providing jobs and economic development opportunities to all parts of the state, including rural areas that have struggled historically to create jobs and businesses.

3) North Carolina’s ability to continue attracting companies in the solar industry, create jobs and promote economic development throughout the state is at risk unless policy makers act.