
The Downtown Street Sweeper Facility on 17th Street generates its own heat and electricity via solar panels to the roof. STAFF PHOTO BY Paul Stephen/Wilmington StarNews
Q. Does New Hanover County offer a renewable energy loan program with regard to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-455 – N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-459.1 and/or HB 1829? These would allow for the installation of renewable energy sources in NHC, with repayment agreements deriving from net energy generated.
The county would get the loan repaid without default + 8% interest, because loan repayment would take place before profits were paid to the generator. The homeowner gets a subsidized solar system, which once the loan is repaid, produces a profit. Progress Energy has a brand-new source of clean energy to sell to consumers. And North Carolina flips, one-by-one residences from being net consumers to net generators.
… and if not, can we get one?
Click here for links to those specific bills:
A. New Hanover County is aware of state laws that allow cities and counties to set up revolving loan programs – and the ability to fund them via block grants – to assist homeowners and commercial businesses in funding energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, said Charles Smith, public information officer for the county.
But at this time, New Hanover County hasn’t implemented such a loan program and doesn’t have plans to do so right now, Smith added.
RELATED LINKS:
What happens to the debt of authorities if they dissolve or default on it?
Date posted: June 12, 2012
User-contributed question by:
Everett Hervey
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