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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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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Price Points: Reusable food covers

Over the past decade or so, we’ve been making a concerted effort to live more green; reducing, reusing and recycling. One of the things we’ve cut down on drastically is our use of cling film – or as our American friends know it, Saran wrap.

One of the ways we’ve managed to hugely curtail the need for single use plastic is by adopting reusable food covers instead. We’ve tried the ones made of silicone; they’re good, but can slip off containers if they’re a bit wet or oily. We only use them on certain dishes that they fit perfectly without the need to stretch them too far. Another type we use is the elasticated ones made of very thin, clear plastic. These are great, they’re really cheap and are perfect for covering bowls and plates of leftovers destined for the fridge. Despite looking flimsy, they last ages and can be cleaned easily in hot, soapy water. They’re also perfect for using to prove bread dough.

We don’t yet own any reusable food covers made from cotton or linen. These ones work best for food that needs a bit of airflow rather than being airtight. My favourite set is #3. They’re available singly or as a set and can be ordered in 20 different colours.

2-pack reusable bowl covers: £8.99, H&M
Fabric elasticated food covers – set of 4: £26.99, Lakeland
Linen reusable bowl covers – set of 4: £32.27, Etsy

shop reusable food covers

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Linen reusable bowl covers – set of 4
£32.27