Comparing PowerPair vs PowerPair + Energy Manager Battery Control vs the North Carolina Bridge Rate Structure:

Both are centered on renewable energy programs available to North Carolina residents, but they serve different purposes, target different aspects of renewable energy, and present information in different styles. Here’s a comparison of the two:

• • Incentives:
    • PowerPair: Offers substantial, upfront financial incentives for solar and battery installation, with potential savings of up to $9,000. However, participation requires enrollment in the Residential Solar Choice Rider. While this rate structure provides less financial return than the Bridge Rate when selling excess solar power back to the grid, it still presents a strong incentive for homeowners. Additionally, this option requires a reliable internet connection and grants Duke access to operational data from your system.
    • PowerPair + Power Manager Battery Control: This option provides both a cash rebate and monthly credits based on your battery’s capacity. By choosing Duke’s Power Manager Battery Control, you will be enrolled in the Net Metering Bridge Rider. With this setup, Duke can discharge your battery down to 20% state of charge, up to 36 times per year. A reliable internet connection is required, along with permission for Duke to access and use all operational data from your system.
    • Residential Solar Choice Rider: This rate structure offers a wider array of renewable energy options, but the financial incentives are less significant and more indirect. It follows a time-of-use model, where compensation for excess solar power sent back to the grid during daylight hours is reduced, and charges for electricity consumption increase during peak demand periods, which vary throughout the year. In winter, electricity costs are higher in the mornings, while in summer, rates rise during the afternoon and evening. This structure is designed to offset peak demand when electricity usage is highest, placing increased strain on the grid.

• Net Metering Bridge Rider: The Bridge rate, available through 12/31/2026, is the most financially beneficial option. It operates similarly to traditional net metering, where solar production and electricity consumption are billed at a 1:1 ratio. However, there is no rollover for excess solar production, meaning any unused credits at the end of the month are forfeited without compensation. To maximize return on investment, it’s best to design solar systems that offset 70-80% of annual consumption, avoiding losses during high-production, low-consumption months like spring and fall. While there’s no financial gain from giving Duke excess solar power, offsetting 100% of consumption still offers environmental benefits.

• Flexibility and Commitment:
  • PowerPair: Requires a specific commitment to Duke Energy Progress programs for at least 24 months, with some flexibility in managing your energy choices afterward.
  • Net Metering Bridge Rider: Offers flexibility in renewable energy types but comes with annual capacity limits for who can be enrolled and certain monthly fees to be on this rider. 

• Time Sensitivity:
  • PowerPair: Incentives are available now and provide immediate savings.
  • Net Metering Bridge Rider: Participation is time-sensitive due to capacity limits and the program closing to new participants after 2027.