Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative supports members who choose to install solar energy systems while ensuring rates remain fair for all members. CCEC members have two options for connecting their solar system to our electric grid:
- Buy All/Sell All
- Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate for Solar Plus Battery Storage
Option 1: Buy All/Sell All
With the Buy All/Sell All option, two electric meters are installed:
- One meter measures the electricity your solar panels produce.
- A second meter measures the electricity your home uses from the cooperative.
CCEC purchases all the electricity generated by your solar system at an avoided-cost rate, which reflects the wholesale value of the energy. Your home continues to purchase electricity from the cooperative under your applicable retail rate.
This approach ensures that all members continue to share the cost of maintaining the poles, wires, substations, and other infrastructure needed to provide reliable electric service, helping prevent cost shifting between members with and without solar.
Option 2: Solar Plus Battery Storage with a Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate
Members who install solar panels with battery storage may choose to participate in CCEC's Residential Time-of-Use (TOU) rate instead of the Buy All/Sell All option.
Battery storage gives members greater flexibility by allowing them to:
- Charge their batteries during lower-cost, off-peak hours.
- Use stored energy during higher-cost, on-peak hours.
- Reduce electricity purchased during periods when demand on the electric system is highest.
- Maintain backup power during outages, depending on their system configuration.
This option benefits both members and the cooperative by encouraging energy use during lower-demand periods while helping reduce demand on the electric system during peak hours.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The best option depends on your solar system, whether you plan to install battery storage, and your energy use habits. Our Customer Service team can help you understand each option and determine which rate is the best fit for your home before you install your system.