WHY SUN IN THE SOUTHEAST ISN’T SHINING

Why there aren't many rooftop solar panels in the South

Sophie Quinton, February 14, 2016 (Fredricksburg.com)

“… Sunny Southern states have plenty of solar energy potential, and utilities across the region have begun to build large solar projects as the technology’s price has dropped. But few homes and businesses sport solar panel systems largely because states in the region haven’t embraced policies that support a residential market… Utility companies say [rooftop] residential solar systems…cost them money because solar owners pay less in monthly electricity bills yet expect their utility to step in and deliver power whenever their system doesn’t. Solar advocates, on the other hand, say residential solar systems save utilities money by taking pressure off the electrical grid…[North Carolina’s environmental advocacy group NC WARN is challenging state regulators to legalize the third party ownership finance plan that has driven solar growth elsewhere. Only Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and West Virginia] ban third-party power purchase agreements, according to the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center…[Utilities like Duke Energy], worried that they may be crowded out, are pushing back [with the claim it allows private parties] to set themselves up to be an electric utility…” click here for more

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