Plain-English definitions for terms you'll run into when getting EV charger, solar, and electrical quotes in North Carolina.
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200-Amp ServiceThe standard electrical service capacity for modern homes, and the minimum recommended if you're adding an EV charger, solar system, or heat pump.
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30C Tax CreditA federal tax credit for qualified EV charging or alternative fuel refueling property installed in an eligible location.
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AC-Coupled vs DC-CoupledTwo ways to connect a battery to a solar system. AC-coupled works with any inverter; DC-coupled is more efficient but needs compatible equipment.
Avoided Cost RateA below-retail export credit based on the utility's avoided cost of energy. Duke Energy's revised NC solar riders use avoided-cost-based net excess energy credits for exports.
B
Bidirectional ChargingTechnology that lets an EV send stored power to a home, load, or grid-connected system when paired with compatible vehicle and electrical equipment.
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Census TractA geographic subdivision defined by the US Census Bureau. For the federal 30C EV charger tax credit, the tract determines whether the installation location is eligible.
D
DC Fast ChargingA high-power commercial charging method that can add 100+ miles of range in 20–30 minutes. Not suitable for home installation.
Dedicated CircuitA circuit wired exclusively for one appliance or outlet, with no other devices sharing it. Required for EV charger and large solar inverter installations.
Demand ChargeA billing component on some utility rate plans that charges based on your peak power draw over a 30-minute window, separate from total energy consumed.
Depth of DischargeThe percentage of a battery's total capacity that can be used before it needs recharging. Higher DoD means more usable storage from the same battery.
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EVSEElectric Vehicle Supply Equipment, the technical name for an EV charger. Controls the power flow from your home's electrical panel to the car.
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InterconnectionThe approval process that allows a solar system to connect to the utility grid and export power to it.
InverterThe device that converts DC electricity from solar panels into the AC electricity your home uses. Every grid-tied solar system has one.
K
kW vs kWhkW (kilowatt) measures power — how fast energy flows. kWh (kilowatt-hour) measures energy — how much has flowed over time.
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Level 2 ChargerA 240-volt home charging station for EVs. It is much faster than a standard outlet and normally requires a dedicated circuit installed by an electrician.
Load CalculationAn analysis of how much electrical capacity your panel is already using, done to determine whether it can support a new circuit without an upgrade.
N
NEMA 14-50A 240-volt receptacle commonly used for plug-in EV chargers, electric ranges, and RVs. It is the common alternative to a hardwired Level 2 charger.
Net MeteringA billing arrangement where a utility credits a solar customer for energy sent back to the grid. Duke Energy's current NC residential riders are no longer the old full-retail structure for new customers.
Net Metering BridgeDuke Energy's transitional North Carolina net metering rider that lets eligible residential solar customers avoid mandatory time-of-use service while still using the newer export-credit structure.
Non-Bypassable ChargesCharges on a utility bill that solar credits generally cannot erase, such as certain fixed, storm recovery, or cybersecurity-related costs under Duke Energy's revised NC solar riders.
P
Panel UpgradeReplacing your home's electrical panel for more circuits or higher amperage, often needed before adding an EV charger, solar system, or home battery.
Permit PullGetting a local permit before electrical or solar work begins. Required for EV charger circuits, panel upgrades, and solar installs in North Carolina.
Power Manager Battery ControlA Duke Energy battery control option where eligible batteries can be temporarily adjusted during grid events in exchange for monthly bill credits.
PV System SizeHow large a solar installation is, measured in kilowatts (kW) of panel capacity. It determines how much electricity the system can produce.
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Solar Lease Pass-ThroughA solar lease pricing concept where the third-party owner may reflect its tax benefits in the homeowner's lease payment, rather than the homeowner claiming the residential tax credit directly.
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Time-of-Use RatesA pricing structure where electricity prices vary by time period, usually charging more during peak demand and less during off-peak periods.
Trade AllyAn installer registered with Duke Energy for specific programs like PowerPair or the Charger Prep Credit. Trade Ally status is necessary for some incentives, but it does not guarantee program capacity.
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Virtual Power PlantA network of distributed energy devices, such as home batteries or thermostats, coordinated by a utility or operator to help manage grid demand.