Residents can share their input at several points in the planning process. Counties and towns usually hold public meetings and hearings before adopting or updating a solar or wind ordinance, where community members can speak, ask questions, and submit written comments. Many local governments also create advisory committees or working groups that include residents, landowners, and other stakeholders. In addition, draft ordinances are often posted online or in government offices, giving people a chance to review and provide feedback before a final vote.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about renewable energy development, siting, and permitting in North and South Carolina.
A measure of electricity defined as a unit of work or energy, measured as 1 kilowatt (1,000 watts) of power expended for 1 hour. For example, a 1,000 kW (1 MW) solar installation that operates at full capacity for 1 hour produces 1 MWh of energy. An average home in the Carolinas might use about 1 MWh of electricity every month.
Source(s): https://www.eia.gov/tools/glossary/index.php?id=K + https://seia.org/whats-in-a-megawatt/
A microgrid is a smaller, local energy system that can operate connected to the larger electric grid or independently when needed. It combines energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, or diesel generators with technologies such as battery energy storage systems to store power.
Source(s): https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/46060_DOE_GDO_Microgrid_Overview_Fact_Sheet_RELEASE_508.pdf + https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-places-advanced-microgrid-into-service-in-hot-springs-nc
Yes. The Center for Energy Education (C4EE) in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, regularly hosts workshops, field trips, and community events that give students, educators, nonprofits, and local groups the chance to learn about solar energy up close. Participants can tour solar arrays, participate in STEM-based activities, and explore how solar technology works in real-world settings. C4EE also partners with schools and community organizations to provide tailored programs that support classroom learning, workforce training, and clean energy awareness.
Source(s): https://center4ee.org/about/educational-programs/
Solar projects are designed to minimize visual impacts in compliance with local regulations and zoning ordinances. These regulations often include setbacks, vegetative buffers, and other visual requirements. In North and South Carolina, setbacks specify the distance between a project and roads, residences, or property lines, increasing separation from surrounding areas. Vegetative buffers provide screening to help ensure the project is hidden from public view.
According to the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), counties in North Carolina saw an average increase of about $225,574 in real and personal property tax revenue following the installation of utility-scale solar projects. Similar studies have not yet been conducted in South Carolina.
Yes, solar PV modules can be recycled. For example, Solar Panel Recycling (SPR) in Salisbury, North Carolina, is able to recover about 95% of a photovoltaic (PV) module by cleanly separating materials such as aluminum, glass, silicon, copper, silver, and plastics, which are then reintegrated into the supply chain.
Source(s): https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1218&context=sabin_climate_change + https://solarpanelrecycling.com/
Solar PV modules produce relatively little waste compared with many other energy sources. Most waste comes at the end of a solar PV module’s life (usually after 25–30 years). Much of this waste, like glass, aluminum, and silicon, can be recycled.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that global solar PV module waste could reach 78 million tons by 2050, but this is much less than the waste produced by fossil fuels, such as coal. Recycling these materials can reduce the need for new raw materials and help make solar energy more sustainable.
Source(s): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-023-02230-0 + https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-023-02230-0/figures/1
The materials in solar PV modules are sealed within the module and protected from contact with air or water. Most solar PV modules are made with crystalline silicon, but about 40% of new modules installed in the United States use cadmium telluride. Cadmium telluride is non-volatile, does not dissolve in water, and has only about one-hundredth the toxicity of cadmium.
Source(s): https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1218&context=sabin_climate_change
The development process for a solar energy project generally follows these steps:
– Securing Land – Developers obtain site access by purchasing, leasing, or entering into agreements with landowners.
– Assessing Solar Potential – The site is evaluated for solar resource availability, projected energy output, and overall cost-effectiveness.
– Obtaining Permits – Projects must receive local government approval to ensure zoning compliance. State or federal permits may also be required, particularly for projects on federal land. In those cases, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applies. NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions through reviews such as Environmental Assessments (EAs) or more detailed Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), which evaluate potential impacts on land, water, wildlife, and communities.
– Interconnecting to the Grid – Developers apply for an interconnection agreement, approved by the state public utilities commission. Developers are typically responsible for funding any necessary grid upgrades to maintain system reliability.
– Selling the Power – To sell electricity, developers usually enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a utility or third-party buyer. Rules for selling power to third-party buyers vary by state.
– Environmental Reviews – Projects are evaluated for potential impacts on wildlife, natural resources, and cultural or historic sites. Larger projects or those on federal land often undergo a more extensive federal review process under NEPA.
– Designing and Building – Once approvals are in place, the project is engineered, equipment is procured, and construction begins. Developers may oversee this themselves or contract with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms.
Effective November 1, 2025, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is required to implement new decommissioning requirements for utility-scale solar projects. Any project with a capacity of 2 MW-AC or greater must register with DEQ and pay a fee, follow state decommissioning and site restoration standards, and submit a financial assurance mechanism (proof of funds to cover decommissioning costs).
Effective May 24, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES; formerly the Department of Health and Environmental Control) implemented decommissioning requirements for large solar energy systems. Five years before a project’s expected end of life, the owner must submit a decommissioning plan to DES for review and approval. Projects must also comply with state decommissioning and site restoration standards and provide a financial assurance mechanism (proof of funds to cover decommissioning costs).
When sunlight hits a solar PV module, the cells inside turn that light into electricity. The solar PV module first makes direct current (DC) electricity, and an inverter changes it into alternating current (AC), which is the kind of power homes and businesses use.
A solar PV cell is the basic unit that converts sunlight into electricity. Multiple cells are connected together and sealed to form a module, which is the standard unit sold by manufacturers. In everyday language, people often call a module a solar panel. Several panels can be connected together to form a larger system, sometimes called an array.
Source(s): https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/articles/pv-cells-101-primer-solar-photovoltaic-cell + https://energyresearch.ucf.edu/consumer/solar-technologies/solar-electricity-basics/cells-modules-panels-and-arrays/
A solar PV module consists of a:
Frame: Provides structural support for the module (anodized aluminum)
Glass Layer: Protects the cells from the environment (tempered glass)
Encapsulant: Protects the solar cells from water and provides insulation (EVA: ethylene-vinyl acetate or similar polymers)
Photovoltaic (PV) Cells: Convert sunlight into electricity (silicon – monocrystalline or polycrystalline)
Backsheet: Insulates and protects the back of the module (durable polymer or composite layers)
Wiring: Conducts electricity between solar cells (silver or copper coated materials)
Junction Box: Houses electrical cables that connect one module to another (plastic box with waterproof seal)
Source(s): https://center4ee.org/solar/
In North Carolina, 1 MW of solar PV can power about 114 homes per year, while in South Carolina, it can power roughly 112 homes per year.
Source(s): https://seia.org/whats-in-a-megawatt/
Currently, there are no operational land-based wind projects in South Carolina. In neighboring North Carolina, you can see projects such as the Amazon Wind Farm near Elizabeth City (Perquimans and Pasquotank counties) and the Timbermill Wind Project near Edenton (Chowan County), where turbines are visible across the surrounding rural landscape.
Source(s): https://www.iberdrola.com/about-us/what-we-do/onshore-wind-energy/-amazon-wind-us-east-onshore-wind-farm + https://www.timbermillwind.com/
Farmers benefit from wind energy facilities by earning additional income from leasing their land for projects while still growing crops and supporting grazing livestock. Lease payments provide financial support, enabling farmers to invest about twice as much in their farms compared to those without wind facilities. Wind farms are designed to allow continued agricultural use, with an estimated 98% of the area remaining available for farming activities.
Source(s): https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1218&context=sabin_climate_change
A recent study by the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) found that a 54-turbine wind facility in Perquimans and Pasquotank counties resulted in a 193% increase in property tax revenue for Perquimans County. Comparable studies have not been conducted in South Carolina, as the state does not currently have any utility-scale wind projects.
Offshore wind activities pose minimal risk to marine wildlife, including whales. Developers are required to follow adaptive research and monitoring protocols that include best practices to minimize ship strikes, noise impacts, and species-specific effects during construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning.
Source(s): https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/documents/renewable-energy/state-activities/Offshore%20Wind%20Activities%20and%20Marine%20Mammal%20Protection_1.pdf + https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/offshore-wind-energy/assessing-impacts-to-marine-life + https://osw.rutgers.edu/home/recent-whale-strandings/
Wind turbines can cause bird and bat mortality, but the numbers are relatively small compared with other common threats. For example, cats are estimated to kill 2.4 million birds per year, and collisions with glass buildings cause around 599 million bird deaths annually, while wind turbines account for approximately 234,000 bird deaths per year.
Source(s): https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1218&context=sabin_climate_change
Wind turbines generate relatively little waste during operation. Most waste occurs at the end of their life, usually after 20–30 years, and includes components like blades, metal, and electronics. Many materials, such as steel and copper, can be easily recycled. Turbine blades, often made from composite materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass, are more challenging to recycle, but new programs and processes are emerging to repurpose or recycle them. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 85–90% of a wind turbine consists of materials that can currently be commercially recycled.
Source(s): https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/wind-turbine-recycling
Noise from wind turbines is generally low and considered unlikely to cause harm. For example, an Environmental Impact Statement for a 120-turbine, 500-MW project found that operational noise would likely not exceed 55 decibels (dBAs)—comparable to a quiet conversation or the hum of a refrigerator. For reference, a soft whisper is about 30 dBAs, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies 70 dBAs as the threshold for prolonged exposure that could lead to annoyance or hearing damage. Advances in turbine technology are expected to make operations even quieter over time.
Source(s): https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1218&context=sabin_climate_change
A wind turbine makes electricity by using the power of the wind. Wind turns the turbine’s blades, which spin a shaft connected to a generator. That generator then produces electricity that can be sent to the grid to power homes and businesses.
Source(s): https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/how-do-wind-turbines-work + https://www.britannica.com/technology/wind-turbine
If you notice smoke, fire, or any immediate danger at a battery energy storage system site, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency concerns, you can contact your local fire department or county emergency management office, which will coordinate with the project operator. Some battery energy storage system sites may also post a contact number for the facility owner or operator; you can check the signage at the site or visit your local government’s permitting office website for this information.
Battery energy storage systems can directly benefit communities by enhancing resilience and reliability. They store electricity and can supply power when the main grid fails, helping communities stay powered during natural disasters. For example, the Hot Springs Microgrid in Hot Springs, North Carolina, built in 2023 by Duke Energy with solar panels and lithium-ion batteries, activated during Hurricane Helene in October 2024. After flooding disabled the town’s substation, the microgrid restored power and ran continuously for approximately 143.5 hours, keeping the community operational.
Source(s): https://sepapower.org/resource/case-study-hurricane-helene-hot-springs-microgrid/
Battery energy storage systems generate most of their waste at the end of the battery’s life, typically after 10–15 years for lithium-ion batteries. This includes used battery cells, metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and plastics. Many components can be recycled or repurposed, though recycling processes are still developing and not yet available everywhere. Proper disposal and recycling are important to minimize environmental impacts.
Source(s): https://www.epa.gov/hw/lithium-ion-battery-recycling
Yes. Battery energy storage systems operate much like the batteries in your phone or laptop, but on a much larger scale. They are regulated by strict national, state, and local standards to ensure safe design and operation. Key requirements include the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 855 standard for installation and the Underwriters Laboratories’ UL 9540 standard for system safety testing and certification. Local fire marshals and building departments are responsible for enforcing these codes so that facilities are permitted, built, and operated with safety in mind.
Source(s): https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/battery-energy-storage-systems-are-here-your-community-ready + https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/electrical/energy-storage-systems + https://www.sandia.gov/energystoragesafety/codes-and-standards/ + https://www.ul.com/services/energy-storage-system-testing-and-certification
Although uncommon, battery energy storage systems comprised of lithium-ion cells can sometimes catch fire again or reignite long after being damaged or involved in a fire, hours, days, or even weeks later. That’s why monitoring and safety measures remain important even after a fire appears to be out or has been extinguished.
Source(s): https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/electrical/energy-storage-systems + https://www.epa.gov/electronics-batteries-management/battery-energy-storage-systems-main-considerations-safe
Energy storage is transforming how electricity is generated, delivered, and used. Battery energy storage systems offer several key benefits:
1. Increase grid flexibility, allowing for greater integration of variable solar and wind energy.
2. Provide backup power during emergencies such as storms, equipment failures, or outages.
3. Reduce costs by storing electricity when it’s inexpensive and supplying it during periods of high demand.
4. Instantly balance supply and demand, enhancing the grid’s reliability, resilience, efficiency, and environmental performance.
Source(s): https://css.umich.edu/publications/factsheets/energy/us-grid-energy-storage-factsheet + https://www.epa.gov/energy/electricity-storage
A battery energy storage system stores electricity in chemical form inside its cells. It charges when there’s extra power from the grid, like from solar or wind, and releases that energy when it’s needed to power homes, businesses, or critical services.
Source(s): https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy19osti/74426.pdf + https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsbatteries
Yes. Transmission lines are built and maintained to meet strict safety standards. While they carry high-voltage electricity, keeping a safe distance and following proper safety measures, like staying away from lines and structures, minimizes risk. Utilities also regularly inspect and maintain lines to prevent accidents and ensure reliable service.
Source(s): https://www.osha.gov/power-generation/construction + https://www.duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-center-business/safety-around-power-lines
Utilities study multiple route options and conduct environmental reviews to assess impacts on wildlife, water, and communities. Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), federal agencies require these assessments before approving a project. Reviews can include Environmental Assessments (EAs), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and consultations with agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Source(s): https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-national-environmental-policy-act
Transmission planning is usually led by utilities, regional transmission organizations (RTOs), and independent system operators (ISOs). They study where new lines are needed to ensure reliability, meet growing electricity demand, and integrate renewable energy. State regulators and public utilities commissions review and approve plans, and the public can often provide input during the process. In North Carolina and South Carolina, however, there is no RTO or ISO overseeing transmission planning. Instead, vertically integrated utilities such as Duke Energy and Dominion Energy handle most of the planning directly, subject to oversight by the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Public Service Commission of South Carolina. This means transmission decisions in the Carolinas are more utility-driven compared to states within organized markets, though regulators still play a key role in reviewing projects and ensuring they meet public needs.
Source(s): https://www.ncsl.org/environment-and-natural-resources/electric-transmission-planning-a-primer-for-state-legislatures + https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R47862 + https://acore.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Energy-Market-Design-and-the-Southeast-United-States-Final.pdf
New transmission lines usually need approval at the federal, state, and local levels. Federal agencies (e.g. the U.S. Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)) review projects on federal land or with federal funding. State public utility commissions check if the project is needed and cost-effective. Local governments handle zoning and construction permits. Environmental reviews and public input are also required to make sure communities and ecosystems are protected.
Source(s): https://www.energy.gov/gdo/transmission-siting-and-permitting-effortsx + https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R47862
The transmission system is like the highway for electricity. It moves large amounts of power over long distances from power plants to local areas. The distribution system is more like local roads, bringing electricity from nearby substations directly to homes, businesses, and other users.
