Summary
LightReach has partnered with Duke Energy and Key Partners to launch a Solar + Battery Storage plan in North Carolina that prioritizes customers and install partners. This program enables customers to earn monthly Duke Energy bill credits through the Battery Control program, helping offset storage costs. Install Partners can opt in or out on a per-project basis, with straightforward documentation and quality control requirements to support enrollment and compliance. This approach increases storage attachment opportunities while maintaining flexibility for partners and direct financial benefits for customers.
Overview
Good News! LightReach has worked with Duke Energy, our AVL Battery manufacturers, and key Partners to develop a Palmetto LightReach Solar Energy Storage program and process that puts our CUSTOMERS and our PARTNERS - FIRST!
As our local North Carolina Install Partners know - North Carolina has seen an increase in energy storage deployment through the PowerPair pilot. While PowerPair capacity is nearly exhausted, Duke Energy still offers monthly bill credits for partial control of qualifying devices including energy storage, referred to as “Battery Control”. More information can be found on the EnergyWise Home (DEP) and Power Manager Battery Control (DEC) Program webpages.
LightReach’s plan helps increase storage attachment rates in the NC market, by enabling customers to pursue these monthly bill credits which can help offset monthly charges.
The potential incentive values are ~$4.50/kW/month, based on the nameplate continuous discharge capacity as defined by the product manufacturer.
Multiple batteries can qualify for the bill credit up to a max capacity of 20kW. Larger energy storage systems can still be enrolled but will only be credited for discharge capacity up to 20kW.
Estimated bill credits by battery model are shown below:
Install Partners are eligible to opt-in projects to enroll, offering flexibility for those that wish not to participate while providing a process for those interested in enrollment.
Enrolling systems into the Battery Control Program requires additional documentation and installation Quality Control requirements. Please refer to our updated Knowledge Base to ensure you’re delivering key documents and information as part of M1 and M2 Approvals.
If you’re an Authorized Install Partner representative, please reach out to your Relationship Manager or LightReach Team to request pricing and begin onboarding.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR INSTALL PARTNERS
Max Flexibility - Partners have the option to OPT-IN or OPT-OUT of Program enrollment for each eligible ESS project
Customer Receives Bill Credits Directly - Partners can maximize storage attachment rates by working with customers to opt-in to Battery Control directly.
Reasonable and Simple documentation requirements - Navigating enrollment and approvals is hard enough, LightReach simply needs visibility and proof of system enrollments to ensure ongoing compliance.
Install Partners will also be responsible for working with the customer to sign the NC Customer Disclosure Form.
Install Partners are responsible for published Milestone Deliverables.
Install Partners that elect to opt-in projects, MUST work with getting customers to sign the form.
M1
All Storage Projects:
Duke Energy Battery Control Customer Disclosure Form - (Customer sig required)
Certification & Onboarding:
Partners interested in selling storage on the platform can follow a few simple steps to request access.
LightReach will review submissions within five (5) business days.
Updates are provided via the submission ticket.
Certified Install Partners, as part of their certification for Battery Pricing request with the Compliance Team will be required to sign the Duke Energy Attestation Form prior to battery pricing enablement.
This attestation lays out key terms, conditions, and responsibilities we need Partners to be aware of and accountable for when selling Palmetto Lightreach PV + battery systems in NC.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
1. | Is Power Control the same as the PowerPair Program?
| No. The PowerPair pilot offered upfront incentives for solar and storage installations and was approved for three years up to 60MWs of enrolled capacity. As of Q1, 2026, PowerPair is nearly fully subscribed. Power Control offers monthly bill credits to various eligible devices including energy storage in exchange for permitting Duke to control the device during a limited number of events each year. |
2. | Does Power Control offer upfront incentives? | No, only a monthly bill credit. |
3. | Do I need to be an approved Contractor to install LightReach energy storage systems in North Carolina? | Yes, all installers must submit a completed Attestation Form and receive approval from LightReach to access storage pricing. |
4. | Are all of LightReach’s AVL approved battery products eligible for Battery Control? | Currently, yes. But LightReach’s AVL is constantly evolving as are the Program’s requirements and approved equipment list. Please refer to both lists periodically to ensure ongoing eligibility. |
5. | How will incentives be paid out? | Eligible customers will begin receiving bill credits on their monthly Duke Energy electric bill within one to two billing cycles of enrollment. |
6. | Can a customer unenroll from Battery Control? | Yes, after one year customers can unenroll. Once unenrolled, they will no longer receive monthly bill credits. |
7. | Where can I see both the LightReach battery AVL and the Energy Storage eligible equipment list |
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8. | Are there eligibility requirements? | Yes. The Program is only open to customers on a residential rate tariff in Duke Energy’s North Carolina service territory and must have an AMI meter. Customers must install eligible equipment listed on the Program website and submit a complete program application. A complete list of eligibility criteria can be found in the Program Terms & Conditions. |
9. | Utility Link |
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Program FAQ at Here