Duke Energy has enrolled more than 1,300 customers in North Carolina in its new PowerPair pilot, a one-time incentive-based program that offers up to $9,000 in incentives for residential customers who install a new solar plus battery system.

The pilot program was approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) in January 2024 and launched in May 2024. The total incentive is based on the approved capacity of the solar array and battery installed.

“North Carolina already ranks fourth in the nation for overall solar power with approximately 45,000 Duke Energy customers generating about 350 MW through solar panels,” said Meghan Dewey, vice president of products and services for Duke Energy. “PowerPair is a valuable solution for our customers ready to invest in solar plus storage for their homes. It is one of several ways we’re helping our customers save energy and money, while continuing to explore new ways to help manage low carbon grids of the future.”

Participants in the pilot may choose to enroll in PowerPair on a residential solar choice rider (RSC) or through a net metering bridge rider (NMB) and receive a one-time incentive of up to $9,000. NMB customers additionally enroll in the company’s new Power Manager and EnergyWise Home battery option and receive additional monthly bill credits for allowing Duke Energy to periodically adjust their battery system’s operating setting for a temporary period to provide stored electricity back to the grid.