North Carolina solar: 3 things you should know

Is inflation driving you crazy? North Carolina residents expect a reasonable cost of living, but prices on everything from food to electricity and beyond are going up, up, up! If you’re looking for ways to save, you’re not alone… and you’re in luck.

Believe it or not, you can cut if not eliminate your electricity bill by tapping into natural North Carolina solar energy. You already love the warm sun that makes the Tarheel State paradise, so why not harness its full potential?

Keep reading to learn how it can help you save money, too.

1. There are North Carolina solar incentives

If you’re itching to go solar, North Carolina is an ideal state in which to live. There are several North Carolina solar incentives from the state government to help you afford a home energy system.

One awesome advantage of installing solar panels North Carolina residents love is higher property value. Yet, home-owners worry that value comes with raised taxes.

Lucky for them, North Carolina has a property tax abatement for solar electricity systems. That means you won’t pay taxes for the amount of property value added by installing solar panels.

Net metering is another state incentive. This policy lowers your electricity bill when your solar power system generates electricity you don’t use. The excess energy converts into a credit to your account.

If you’re a Duke Energy customer, you may qualify for a solar installation cash incentive from the company.

In some North Carolina counties and towns, as well as major cities like Asheville and Greensboro, solar panel installation comes with other rebates and credits. They vary across the state and may change, so it’s best to check in with your local government to take advantage.

2. Federal incentives help, too

The United States recently started making a concerted effort against climate change. It’s great news for planet Earth – but also for household energy needs and financial health. Throughout 2022, when installing solar panels, North Carolina residents and Americans throughout the country can receive a 26% federal tax credit.

Keep in mind that in 2023, the credit falls to 22%. In 2024 and beyond, only businesses get a 10% credit. Households will no longer get credits at that point, so make your move soon.

And don’t worry if the tax part sounds intimidating – many online services now offer free tax preparation to help homeowners claim their solar credits without the added stress or cost. It’s a smart way to make sure you don’t miss out on savings you rightfully deserve.

3. You’ll prepare yourself for North Carolina disasters

Coastal North Carolina is dreamy when it’s nice out, but there’s a trade-off. The whole state feels the impact of tropical storms that seem increasingly common every hurricane season.

Those who’ve lived through such rough weather are no strangers to blackouts that could last days. When your only source of electricity is the power grid, you’re lucky to have a generator. Even then, you have to be careful because gas generators emit toxic fumes.

When your main energy source is solar, North Carolina blackouts could be less harrowing. Even if your panels fail in severe weather, you can prepare by charging large batteries before storms and other disasters hit. Storing energy like that is cost-prohibitive on the electrical grid but is free when using solar power.

Clever facts and handy tips

These North Carolina solar facts will help you save on your electricity bills, prepare for disasters and lower your environmental impact.

With that worry off your mind, take some time to learn more helpful tips and facts on this site. Click on another of our great home and lifestyle articles to discover how to make more of your time and energy.

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Auction alert: Montpelier Interiors: Decorative by Design

The Montpelier Interiors: Decorative by Design sale is organised by Curated Auctions who is based in South East London. The auction of 256 lots is being held on Wednesday 6^th April 2022 from 2pm.

We chose to feature this auction because of the number of interesting and quirky decorative items that are coming up for sale. For instance, a coco de mer nut, collections of antique cast iron crucifixes and, my favourite item, an entire walk-in larder. I wish I had the space – and the funds – to house it!

All lots are subject to a 25% buyer’s premium on the final hammer price, plus VAT. Live bidding via the Curated Auctions website incurs an additional fee of 1% or through the-saleroom.com, invaluable.com or liveauctioneers.com (where a 5% surcharge applies).

The auction house itself doesn’t provide a packaging or delivery service, although they recommend a local art shipping specialist company.

Lot 22: A LARGE COCO DE MER NUT (LODOICEA MALDIVICA) WITH KERNELS
There is a long historical tradition of collecting Coco de Mer nuts and treasuring them as rare and unusual objects, as far back as the 16th century they were decorated with jewels and placed in ‘cabinets of curiosities’. Their obvious resemblance to a woman’s buttocks inspired their botanical name “Lodoicea Callipyge”; “callipyge” meaning “beautiful rump” in Greek. Sailors would see them floating in the sea and supposedly mistook them for real women, others believed they grew on trees deep in the ocean and floated to the surface when ripe.
Estimate: £200 – £400

Lot 34: A 19^TH CENTURY SWEDISH PAINTED WOOD HERB PRESS
With distressed paint, the top with remains of painted flowers, on shaped rectangular base, the spirally turned central rod with handle. 57cm high x 39cm
Estimate: £100 – £150

Lot 57: AN ENGLISH PAINTED WOOD AND ZINC-TOPPED CONSERVATORY TABLE
Of rustic style, green painted, the rectangular zinc covered top over a pair of covered drawers and a planked shelf below. 150cm wide x 80cm deep x 80cm high
Estimate: £250 – £450

Lot 118: A COLLECTION OF FIVE 19^TH CENTURY AND LATER FRENCH CHURCH CROSSES
The cast iron crucifixes of pierced form, some with figures of Christ in relief, others with stylised motifs. The largest 148cm high (5)
Estimate: £250 – £350

Lot 130: A 19^TH CENTURY TOLE WARE TEA CANISTER
Of cylindrical form, green painted, lid circular lid. 43cm high x 24cm wide
Estimate: £100 – £150

Lot 146: A SET OF TEN FRENCH BLUE GLASS CHEMIST’S JARS
Probably early 20^th century, with metal cylindrical lids, each labelled, some with paper labels inscribed ‘DANGEREUX’. 24cm high (10)

Lot 182: A PAIR OF LES ARCS STYLE LEATHER AND METAL CHAIRS
1960s style, with leather seats and metal frames, in the manner of Charlotte Perriand Les Arcs vintage chairs (2)
Estimate: £200 – £300

Lot 184: A LATE 19^TH / EARLY 20^TH CENTURY WALK-IN LARDER
Wooden larder with cupboard doors
Estimate: £3,000 – £5,000

Lot 186: A 1960S BRUTALIST STYLE METAL FLOOR STANDING LAMP
The main shade formed from intertwined strips of metal, giving a sunflower or sunburst effect, raised on a plain stem and domed foot, wired for electricity, tested. 150cm high x 55cm wide
Estimate: £300 – £400

Lot 230: A 1960S STRAW WORK MAGAZINE RACK
On metal stand. 49 x 42cm
Estimate: £50 – £70

Lot 242: AN ARGENTINE BARBECUE
The BBQ with slatted wooden tier below, of rectangular form, on four legs
Estimate: £300 – £400

Smart tips for an eco-friendly kitchen remodelling

Having an eco-friendly or green kitchen comes with benefits. Not only does it require minimal maintenance, but it also increases efficiency and reduces operational costs. You also enjoy improved air quality in your kitchen, as you avoid using toxic chemicals.

A 2021 research revealed that 70% of UK homebuyers want their home to be environmentally-friendly. Creating a green kitchen can increase your home’s value should you ever decide to sell it. Would you like to embark on an eco-friendly kitchen remodel? If your answer is yes, here’s how to achieve it.

Work with an eco-friendly contractor

The first step is to hire a contractor to handle your remodelling project. Although you could opt for conventional contractors, you’d have to brief them constantly regarding your environmental preferences – which could be time-consuming and tedious. It’s far more efficient to consult professionals with an eco-friendly background, as they’re already knowledgeable about the most sustainable materials and designs available. Moreover, they can provide the necessary tools, equipment and skilled sub-contractors to complete your project successfully.

When choosing your contractor, you want to look into their portfolio of past projects to determine whether they can deliver on your dream kitchen. Likewise, ensure that they are licensed, insured and have the needed certifications. If you want to confirm their credibility, read their available online reviews on third-party sites for a more objective, independent analysis.

Invest in sustainable materials

Irrespective of how eco-friendly your kitchen design is, you could entirely defeat the purpose if you use the wrong materials. Therefore, it’s essential to invest in sustainable materials for the best results. For instance, certain timbers are natural and renewable, making it perfect for your kitchen cabinetry. Moreover, they can be repaired and repainted, unlike vinyl and laminate. You could also make use formaldehyde-free plywood and bamboo to reap the same benefits.

For your kitchen counter-tops, you could invest in Sintered stone countertops and recycled glass as they are attractive, durable and can withstand hours of cooking and cutting. In addition, you want to avoid paints with high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and utilise eco-friendly options with ingredients such as clay, balsam, milk proteins and citrus.

Leverage energy-efficient lighting

Lighting plays an important role in your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. For instance, directional lighting should be the primary light source in your kitchen and will set the tone for your kitchen while helping you with your cooking and other tasks. Additionally, accent lighting highlights the most beautiful features in your kitchen, while your task lighting offers extra visibility. It’s prudent to make use of energy-efficient lighting options to help you use less energy and decrease your utility bills. You’ll find it helpful to replace your incandescent bulbs with LED and CFL options. You could increase natural lighting by using bright colours, reflective surfaces and polished floors. You could also install skylights for the optimum results.

Consider your water consumption

Another eco-aware activity to consider is water consumption. For instance, you could replace your traditional taps with low-flow options to help prevent water waste. You may also want to install an energy-efficient dishwasher as they require less water for washing and rinsing your plates. If you don’t have a large household, you could opt for a slimline dishwasher to further enhance sustainability.

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Get their look: Country farmhouse kitchen

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A post shared by Laid Back Farmhouse (@laid_back_farmhouse)

Nat Woods is the owner of the Laid Back Farmhouse located in Petersfield in Hampshire. Her country farmhouse kitchen is everything you’d expect from such a space.

Here you’ll see a ceramic Belfast sink, Aga range cooker, glass-fronted cupboard, oodles of antique stoneware pots, jugs and bowls and rustic wooden chopping boards. Everything in the kitchen is a calming cream colourway; the Smeg fridge-freezer (and the exact one that we have in our kitchen!), the cabinetry and that aforementioned Aga.

Get their look

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Wooden kitchen utensil set

Coconut fibre dish washing tool

Single bowl ceramic Belfast sink

Antique stoneware confit pot

Smeg 50s style FAB30L freestanding 70/30 fridge freezer, left-hand hinge, cream

Antique stoneware cheese mould

Wooden Dish Brush with Knob