| RALEIGH, NC – (May 13, 2026) The Carolinas Development Assistance and Siting Hub (DASH), an initiative led by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at NC State University, has announced the publication of model ordinances for utility-scale solar and storage development. The document is a result of several months of information gathering and stakeholder engagement with representatives from utilities, renewable energy project developers, local governments, non-profit organizations, trade associations, and agriculture. The NCCETC released the first version of its North Carolina Utility-Scale Solar and Storage Model Ordinance. The document serves to update and expand on the Center’s previous solar model ordinance, last updated in 2016. The model ordinance is designed to be used by North Carolina jurisdictions as a starting point to implement or update their own utility-scale solar and storage development regulations, with standards to consider for the unique characteristics of both technologies. The ordinance release is part of the Carolinas DASH’s mission to provide educational resources regarding energy siting and permitting in the Carolinas under the Reliable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Integrated Energy Systems Office. “North Carolina has remained a national leader in the solar industry since we released our first solar ordinance, and we are increasingly seeing opportunities to deploy storage alongside solar and on its own. With updated stakeholder knowledge on utility-scale solar and new provisions on utility-scale battery energy storage systems, this model ordinance can help guide jurisdictions in developing future projects,” said Steve Kalland, Executive Director of NCCETC. For solar and storage, the document outlines provisions covering setbacks, screening, fencing, height, noise, glare, signage, permits required, application elements, commissioning, and decommissioning. Per best practices from renewable energy technology-focused non-profits and stakeholders, jurisdictions are encouraged to first consider if existing standards for similar uses in a given zoning district are sufficient. Where jurisdictions determine that additional standards are necessary to meet a community purpose, the model ordinance aims to provide clear, measurable solar- and battery-specific standards for compliance based on input from the variety of stakeholders who participated in the process. Acknowledging that there is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach across all jurisdictions, the ordinance also includes endnotes, callout boxes, and appendices explaining approaches to different issues including enforcement, permit types, buffers, and community engagement. North Carolina Ordinances for Solar, Wind, and Storage (as of February 2026) “Our utility planning processes have called for more storage development to serve the state, and we are seeing storage projects documented across the state; however, very few ordinances incorporate standards for battery uses,” noted Caitlin Flanagan, a Policy Analyst at the NCCETC. “As we explain in the ordinance, we can’t recommend requiring compliance with industry standard codes for battery energy storage under our current circumstances. That said, we hope that encouraging voluntary code compliance and providing example land use standards that consider the unique characteristics of batteries can guide jurisdictions in creating battery energy storage provisions that serve their communities and allow them to benefit from these projects.” To read the full “North Carolina Utility-Scale Solar and Storage Model Ordinance,” click here. As with previous iterations, this ordinance, as a living document, will continue to evolve with the state policy landscape and new information. Readers may contact the Center at ccflanag@ncsu.edu and dsire-admin@ncsu.edu with feedback for consideration and potential incorporation. In addition to this resource, the Center offers support to local governments in North and South Carolina with education and technical assistance on solar, wind, and battery energy storage siting and permitting through the Carolinas DASH program. About the NC Clean Energy Technology Center The NC Clean Energy Technology Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating, and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, sustainable energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach, and training. For more information about the Center, visit: https://www.nccleantech.ncsu.edu/. About the Carolinas DASH The Carolinas Development Assistance and Siting Hub (DASH) provides technical assistance and education to local governments in North and South Carolina. Led by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center in partnership with regional stakeholders, the hub is designed to help communities make informed, balanced decisions regarding renewable energy siting and permitting. The full model ordinance and additional technical resources are available at: carolinas-dash.org. About the Integrated Energy Systems Office The U.S. Department of Energy Integrated Energy Systems Office drives research and development of energy solutions that enhance grid reliability and resilience, foster U.S. technological leadership, and reduce the cost of energy for Americans. Media Contact:NCCETC Contact: Shannon Helm, NC Clean Energy Technology Center, 919-423-8340, shannon_helm@ncsu.edu |
