General FAQs

Common FAQs about Licenses & Permits

Is your company licensed or certified?

  • Our team of solar professionals includes licensed plumbers, electricians and professional engineers (PE). Members of our team are also certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED), and the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Initiative (NAHB-GBI) program, as well as specialized certifications from a number of equipment manufacturers.

Are permits required for my project?

  • Permits will be required and Southern Energy can take care of obtaining any necessary permits from the local government.

Common FAQs about Tax & Utility Incentives

What tax incentives are available for residential solar electric systems?

  • In North Carolina, you can take advantage of both the federal and state solar tax credits. The federal tax credit is 30% the cost of your system and the state credit is 35%.

I heard about Progress Energy's pilot program for solar water heating - what can I do to take advantage of these incentives?

  • Progress Energy's pilot program offers a $1,000 rebate for 150 home owners in NC who install solar water heaters. The home must be your primary residence, and must be all-electric (i.e. no gas appliances). The program is lottery based, and participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. However, secondary criteria will also be used to ensure the pilot program achieves the desired diversity for geographic region and household size. Progress is hoping to observe the benefits of solar water heating to establish future incentives. As part of the $1,000 rebate, Progress will monitor your system for performance. This will involve a minimal number of site visits and installation of monitoring equipment during the course of the study.

Common FAQs about Homeowners' Associations

If I'm a member of an HOA, do I need approval before installing a solar system?

  • It is always a good idea to check with your homeowners' association before making a significant change to your house - like a solar system! Many states prohibit HOAs from restricting solar devices, but check with yours for the specific rules and regulations regarding installations to your roof or grounds.

Will Southern Energy work with my HOA if rules prohibit me from purchasing a solar system?

  • Our team will find out your HOA's regulations and work out the best solution for you and your neighborhood. You may also be protected with certain Solar Access Laws that prohibit the restriction of solar given certain guidelines.

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Useful Links

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