Energy.gov

In September 2007, Camden County adopted a wind ordinance to regulate the use of wind-energy systems in the county and to describe the conditions by which a permit for installing such a system may be obtained.

For the purposes of this ordinance, wind-energy systems are classified as “large” if they consist of one or more turbines with a rated generating capacity of more than 20 kilowatts (kW) and “small” if a project consists of a single turbine rated at less than 20 kW. A site permit is required to establish, operate, and maintain any wind-energy system rated over 20 kW.

Carteret County passed an ordinance to specify the permitting process and establish siting requirements for wind energy systems. There are different rules and a different permitting process depending on the size and location of a system. Small systems up to 25 kilowatts (kW) are considered to be an accessory use and do not require the approval of a Wind Energy Permit Application. Small systems attached to a house can have a maximum height of 60 feet and are not subject to minimum setbacks.

Carteret Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC) offers a variety of energy efficiency rebates to residential customers. Rebates are available on dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers, Energy Star new manufactured and site-built homes, air-source heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps. All appliances must be Energy Star in order to qualify for the program. New site built and manufactured homes must also meet Energy Star standards in order to receive rebates.

Catawba County is providing incentives to encourage the construction of sustainably built homes and commercial buildings. Rebates on permit fees and plan reviews are available for certain qualifying structures and renewable energy projects. Buildings designed and constructed in accordance with the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), NC HealthyBuilt Homes, Energy Star, or the National Association of Home Builders' Model Green Home Building Guidelines can receive a 25% blanket permit fee rebate, not to exceed $500.

The City of Asheville waives fees for building permits and plan reviews for certain renewable energy technologies and green building certifications for homes and mixed-use commercial buildings. Waivers for building permit fees may apply to residences with the following designations (the regular fee is in parentheses):
* HealthyBuilt Home Certification* ($100)
* Energy Star Rating ($100)
* Geothermal heat pumps ($50)
* Solar-energy systems ($50)
* Wind turbines ($50)

In April 2007, the Asheville City Council adopted carbon emission reduction goals and set LEED standards for new city buildings. The council committed to reducing carbon emissions by 2% per year until the city reaches an 80% reduction from baseline year 2001-02 emissions. To work towards this goal, the council also resolved that all new occupied city-owned buildings greater than 5,000 square feet will adhere to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified "Gold" standard.

The City of Concord Electric Department offers an incentive program encouraging its residential customers to replace their existing HVAC system with a more energy efficient heat pump system. Heat pumps between one and five tons in size with a SEER of 14 and above qualify for a $400 rebate. Single family residential electric customers with non-delinquent accounts are eligible to apply for this rebate.

BetterBuildings Greensboro Rebate Program offers residents in Greensboro incentives for increasing energy efficiency in their homes. Upgrades must increase energy efficiency by at least 15% to qualify. The rebate amount is 10% of your total upgrade bill up to certain maximum amounts depending on the projected percentage of increased energy efficiency.

For more information see program web site.

The City of High Point offers the Hometown Green Program to help customers reduce energy use. Under this program, rebates are available for newly constructed energy efficient homes, heat pumps, and electric water heaters. The $400 heat pump rebate is available to any residential customer whose electric service is provided by the city of High Point. In order to qualify, the heat pump must be between 1 and 5 tons, have a SEER rating of 14 or more, and be installed by an authorized/licensed electrical or HVAC contractor who has a privilege license to work in the City of High Point.

The City of New Bern Electric Department offers rebates to its residential customers for installing new replacement energy efficient water heaters and heat pumps. Appliances must be electric and load management switches must be installed on the appliances, or the existing switch must be reconnected to the new equipment. A copy of the bill of sale with the model and serial number is required. Once approved, the rebate will be applied to the customer’s electric account.