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A survey reveals an issue of rare consensus – and hope for local economic drivers.

Written by Jen McGivney

North Carolinians overwhelmingly believe that clean energy should play a role in tackling challenges, from county to statewide. A recent survey revealed that most residents favor a shift to renewables—solar energy especially—to generate power in a state that needs more of it, to build energy independence, and to support local economies. Yet this support is conditional: Residents demand transparency and involvement in energy projects.

The survey, commissioned by Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association (CCEBA), shows that a groundswell of support for renewable energy already exists and, if harnessed correctly, can propel North Carolina to become an industry leader.

Attitudes about clean energy in the survey weren’t divided by political party. They didn’t differ much between cities and farms. North Carolinians’ approval of clean energy rested largely on economic, not ideological, grounds.

“We were struck by the strength of community support for renewable energy,” said Suzanne Sabin, policy and communications manager at CCEBA. “Loud, negative voices can dominate the conversation, but when we reached out to residents, especially those in areas that have been most affected by energy development, they told us that they’re very supportive of initiatives that help their communities economically. Renewables can do that.”

CCEBA’s survey reached more 418 people across all regions of the state. It followed up with 30 people for in-depth interviews to learn about the values behind the responses. Respondents included Democrats (39%), Republicans (35%), and independents (25%); it included residents in suburbs (41%), rural areas (34%) and cities (25%). The lessons formed from their responses could become a playbook to guide a bipartisan energy strategy in North Carolina.

Takeaway 1: North Carolinians recognize that energy demand is rising, foreign dependence is risky, and renewables can alleviate both.

Nearly two-thirds of surveyed North Carolinians believed that energy demand is “very likely” to increase over the next five years. To meet that demand, 68% responded that renewable energy sources like solar and wind should either be expanded or play a role in an all-of-the-above strategy along with traditional energy sources.

“[Solar] should absolutely be part of the future, as long as projects are planned responsibly,” one interviewee responded. “North Carolina has become a leader in solar for a reason and rural counties can benefit economically from that growth.”

North Carolina’s energy needs are surging. The projected load growth by 2030 is eight times greater what the 2022 NC Carbon plan forecasted. To meet that need, many surveyed residents prefer generating energy close to home. Of the potential benefits of solar energy, respondents cited greater energy independence (46%) as most appealing.

“If people are worried about energy independence, solar energy is one of the best ways to accomplish that,” Sabin said. “You don’t rely on foreign imports. Once solar installations are in the ground, energy flows in.”

Finding 2: Most North Carolinians prefer a solar farm in their community over other energy generation facilities.

Most North Carolinians would prefer a solar energy installation in their community over other types of facilities, including data centers, coal, natural gas, wind, or nuclear. They see solar farms as good neighbors, with caveats.

Adobe Stock image.

“Solar especially seems practical in a rural area with lots of open space,” one participant responded. “At the same time, I understand why people worry about overbuilding or losing farmland. Most people do not seem completely against renewable energy itself. They just want projects handled responsibly.”

This responsible handling includes locating installations where they don’t create eyesores (35% of respondents) or harm local character (27%).

This openness to solar could bring needed revenue at a critical time. As counties face fiscal challenges—including Medicaid cuts, lowered income taxes, and proposed property tax restrictions—leaders need new ways to raise money.

“Due to new tax rules, county commissioners must figure out how to preserve local healthcare resources, support their schools, and maintain safety forces,” said Chris Carmody, executive director of CCEBA. “Solar has a demonstrated economic and tax value at the county level.”

Finding 3: Residents demand transparency.

 “A lot of people are not necessarily antidevelopment, but they want more information upfront,” replied one survey participant. “Trust seems like a big issue. If people feel blindsided, they immediately get skeptical.”

This is a justified concern. Many national data center developers have made subsidies conditional upon non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). This prevents residents from learning about potential effects on natural resources or energy rates until the deal is done. To succeed, clean energy developers must develop trust with their community partners. 

“It’s our responsibility as an industry to keep communities informed and make them part of the conversation,” Carmody said. “Many solar and storage developers actually live in these communities, so they’re invested in their success. They want a good outcome that will make their community and the adjacent areas better.”

Finding 4: Misunderstandings persist, but education would offer reassurance.

Even some survey respondents who supported renewable energy expressed concerns about potential downsides. Many of their concerns would be allayed with increased awareness, according to CCEBA; it’s a situation where learning more would mean worrying less.

Image provided by CCEBA

For example, respondents worried about what happens to solar equipment at the end of its lifespan. State law requires that the project owner, not the landowner or county, remove equipment within a year of a contract’s end. Other respondents worried that solar equipment could damage soil. In actuality, the panels do not harm soil, and they can even work alongside crops and livestock that enrich it.

Sabin said that this survey showed a need for more awareness efforts around clean energy, which could build even more support for them. If policymakers ally with residents, the state could harness this rare instance of consensus to build a forward-looking approach to energy and economics.

“A lot of important choices are being made about energy right now,” Sabin says. “This study gives insight to legislators and county leaders that can help them design policies to meet their constituents’ needs: specifically, to drive down costs, to build trust and transparency, and to generate reliable, clean energy.”