FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about home AI compute with qualifying solar in 12 states, contractual electricity-cost protection, and $0-down third-party-owned (TPO) solar leases in North Carolina, PPA vs. lease differences, our participating program, commercial and nonprofit solar, battery storage, roofing and insurance claims, home renovations, and financing across Raleigh and the Triangle.
Max plan: provider-guaranteed $400 monthly base plus a variable bonus up to $400 during eligible hosting from activation. Bonus may be zero. Before expenses and taxes; qualifying new solar and approvals required. Solar payments remain separate.
No. AI Compute + Solar is an ownership-focused offering using cash purchase or financing, subject to eligibility, and welcomes customers across utility territories. The Duke Energy solar equipment lease is a separate solar-only offering and is not paired with AI compute hosting.
For eligible Duke Energy customers in North Carolina, a third-party-owned solar option may be structured as a solar equipment lease. The provider owns and maintains the system and you make the lease payments specified in your agreement rather than purchasing the equipment upfront. Availability and terms depend on the provider, property, utility and eligibility.
TPO means third-party owned. Depending on the state, a TPO program may be structured as a solar equipment lease or a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). In North Carolina, qualifying LightReach-style TPO offerings are structured as equipment leases. In states where PPAs are permitted and offered, customers may instead pay for the electricity generated at an agreed per-kWh rate. If you buy with cash or financing, you own the system. For comparison, a North Carolina lease may work out to an energy-cost equivalent such as 13¢ per kWh of expected solar production. That equivalent is a comparison tool — it does not mean the North Carolina provider is selling electricity to the customer at 13¢/kWh. Program structures, rates, escalators, incentives and eligibility vary.
Our participating program can provide qualified residential and commercial customers up to 35% off the starting system price, applied upfront to reduce what you pay. It isn't limited to Duke Energy territory — it's available to qualifying customers on many utilities where the program is offered, and it can be combined with a cash purchase or financing. Availability, eligibility, and the discount amount vary. It is not a government rebate or tax credit.
We serve customers on all utilities across Raleigh and the greater Triangle, including Cary, Durham, Morrisville, Apex, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill, and Holly Springs. Duke Energy, electric cooperative, municipal, and other utility customers are welcome. Our $0-down third-party-owned solar lease options are subject to provider and utility eligibility, but qualifying customers on other utilities can still explore our participating program, cash or financing, and battery storage. Enter your address and we'll confirm what applies to you.
Duke Energy’s North Carolina Net Metering Bridge and Residential Solar Choice credit monthly excess exports at the applicable Net Excess Energy Credit rate. Fixed charges and a minimum bill still apply. Bridge service does not require a time-of-use rate; Residential Solar Choice does. The new-participant Bridge window closes January 1, 2027, subject to annual capacity and utility application requirements. Contacting NER does not reserve enrollment. Review our January 2027 guide and confirm the current tariff for your utility.
Yes — this is one of our specialties. If you already have panels but no storage, we can arrange a Tesla Powerwall 3 or Enphase battery retrofit on most existing arrays through our installation partners, so you gain backup power during outages and can store your daytime solar for use at night.
A properly sized system can reduce the amount of electricity you need from the grid. With an eligible TPO solar lease, your lease payment is set by the agreement. Actual savings depend on usage, roof, production, utility rates and program terms, so your specialist will provide an estimate specific to your home. Qualifying AI compute + solar hosting includes separate contractual electricity-cost protection under its hosting agreement; review that program’s covered costs and terms.
Most residential installations are completed in one to three days once permits are approved. Design, permitting, and inspections are coordinated through the selected provider and installation team, and National Energy Renovations stays your point of contact throughout.