Solar Power Credits: Tenant Savings Guide in North Carolina

Solar energy is growing across North Carolina, offering many renters a new way to save on utility costs. If you’re wondering how solar power credits work, what protections exist, and what action steps you can take as a tenant, this article explains it in plain language—with legal references, forms, and resources you can trust.

How Solar Power Credits Can Save North Carolina Renters Money

Solar power credits, often referred to as “net metering credits,” allow households to benefit from solar energy systems by offsetting their electric bills. Many rental properties now feature solar panels, and North Carolina utility companies are required to offer billing credits for renewable energy produced onsite. Here’s what this could mean for you as a renter:

• Lower monthly bills: Solar credits can reduce the amount you owe for electricity each month.
• Stable energy costs: Using solar may protect renters from some utility rate increases.
• Environmental benefits: Participation supports clean energy in your community.

Eligibility and benefits depend on whether your rental is individually metered, whether your landlord participates, and how credits are shared. It’s important to review your lease for details.

Rights and Responsibilities: Renters and Solar Billing

Under North Carolina law, your energy service must remain in your name and your landlord generally cannot increase rent solely because you receive utility savings. However, if solar panels were installed after you moved in, any change in billing or energy charges should be clearly described in your lease or an addendum. Review the North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act for rules about habitability and utility responsibilities.^[1]

Getting and Understanding Solar Credits as a Renter

• Check if your property is enrolled in a solar program by consulting your landlord or property manager.
• Ask your utility company (like Duke Energy) for a breakdown of your bill, showing any solar credits applied.
• If you think you’re missing credits or that billing is inaccurate, you can file a complaint with the North Carolina Utilities Commission Public Staff.

Official Forms and Complaints: What Tenants Need to Know

• Utility Service Complaint Form (No number): Use this if you believe your landlord or a utility provider is not properly crediting solar benefits to your bill or if you face utility shutoff.
  For example, if your lease promises solar credits and your bill does not reflect them, fill out the NC Utilities Commission Consumer Complaint Form. Attach a copy of your lease and recent utility bills when submitting.
• Residential Rental Complaint Form (also called Tenant Complaint, form may vary by county): File this through your local housing department if a promised amenity or service (like solar power or utility delivery) is denied. Example: Your apartment was advertised as “solar included,” but you have not received bill reductions. Contact your local housing authority for their form and process.

These forms are handled by either the NC Utilities Commission (for billing/utility issues) or by your local housing authority (for lease and property-related complaints).

What Is the North Carolina Utilities Commission?

The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) is responsible for resolving disputes between renters, landlords, and utility providers about electricity and solar credits. The NCUC’s Public Staff Consumer Services Division can investigate complaints and provide information about your rights under state law.

Relevant Legislation: Tenant Rights and Utilities

North Carolina rental relationships are governed by the North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act.^[1] This law ensures your right to a habitable home, including working utilities, and outlines how landlords and tenants must handle billing and service disputes. Your utility service and any credit sharing must be consistent with these requirements and what is written in your lease.

FAQ: North Carolina Renters and Solar Power Credits

1. Do renters in North Carolina automatically get solar power credits?
   No. Solar credits are only applied if your landlord has installed solar panels and arranged for participation with the utility provider. Check your lease and ask your landlord or property manager about the property's status.
2. Can a landlord raise my rent because I’m saving on utilities from solar energy?
   Under North Carolina law, rent increases must follow proper notice and can be subject to lease terms. Savings from solar credits do not automatically justify a rent increase unless allowed under your lease.
3. What can I do if I’m not seeing promised solar credits on my utility bill?
   First, contact your landlord and utility provider in writing, ask for an itemized bill, and refer to your lease. If unresolved, submit the Utility Service Complaint Form with the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
4. Who enforces tenant rights regarding solar power credits in North Carolina?
   The NC Utilities Commission handles utility disputes, while local housing authorities oversee lease and habitability issues. For legal rights under landlord-tenant law, the North Carolina Judicial Branch also has helpful information.
5. Are there forms for tenants to use if there's a solar energy billing dispute?
   Yes. File the NC Utility Service Complaint Form for billing or service issues, and check with your local housing authority for tenant complaint forms if your lease terms are involved.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NC Utilities Commission Public Staff – Consumer Complaint Form: File utility and solar credit complaints
• Local Housing Authorities Directory: Report lease or property issues
• North Carolina Judicial Branch: Renters & Landlords: Understand your legal housing rights
• North Carolina Justice Center: Advocacy and legal support for renters

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1. [1] North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act
2. North Carolina Utilities Commission – Tribunal for Utility and Service Complaints
3. NCUC Consumer Complaint Form (Utility Service Issues)
4. Local Housing Authorities List for NC Counties

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