2023 Unwrapped and What’s on our Playlist for 2024

a group photo of the team at southern energy management wearing orange shirts in an industrial space and cheering with joy

In This Article

While AI entered the chat and Barbenheimer took the world by storm, we were busy doing some things of our own. Like changing the way people make and use energy! We’re excited to share all the sun & energy efficient fun we were up to with the help of our team members, customers, partners, and community in 2023.
Our 2023 impact summed up in a 1 minute and 44 second video ✨

2023 Builder Energy Services Highlights

In 2023, we saw industry-wide advancements, highlighted by Duke Energy’s launch of the HERO ACE Incentives in Climate Zone 3 and new rebate offerings by Piedmont & Dominion Gas. The Inflation Reduction Act played a pivotal role, introducing a 10-year tax credit initiative, encouraging sustainable building practices.

  • Through the HERO incentive, we saved our customers a total of $12.1 million.
  • Through the 45L Tax Credit, our customers saved approximately $4.4 million for pre-2023 closings
  • Our team certified 620 homes for ENERGY STAR 3.1, translating to $1.55 million in tax credits

What’s Ahead for 2024?

Looking ahead to 2024, a surge in Energy Star Homes is expected, driven by these tax incentives. We also anticipate an increase in builder participation for Duke’s HERO ACE Incentives in Charlotte and Greenville. Lastly, the DOE’s focus on Zero Energy Ready and HVAC Grading standards is set to elevate energy efficiency in the coming year.

2023 Multifamily & Commercial Services Highlights

2023 has been a successful year for our multifamily team. The focus has been on sustaining our team growth and improving our expertise to better support our partners. Throughout the year, several more team members have become NGBS Verifiers, Energy Star Raters, and Green Globes Professionals to name a few. 

This year, we also saw continued trends toward dual certification, with several of our partners pursuing multiple certification programs on their projects. With the revision of the 45L, we have also seen an increased interest in Energy Star certification and DOE ZERH.

What’s Ahead for 2024?

Looking ahead to 2024, we are excited to expand our service offerings, including the introduction of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and having a WELL AP on staff; both of which mark exciting new chapters in our journey. We are looking forward to having you along for the ride!

2023 Solar Services Highlights

It was another year on the solar-coaster for solar and battery storage. There were some ups and there were some downs, with the highs of the successful sale of our 1,000 Tesla Powerwall and promising updates on the release of the Powerwall 3. The 30% Solar Tax Credit continued to play a significant role in promoting the adoption of solar and batteries. Additionally, Duke Energy introduced a revised net metering policy, providing solar customers with increased flexibility and choice.

What’s Ahead in 2024?

  • North Carolina has a new power couple, Duke Energy’s newest solar + battery incentive, PowerPair! The PowerPair rebate of up to $9,000 has just been approved for new solar + battery customers in NC. Applications will open in May of 2024.
  • The Tesla Powerwall 3 will be making its way to the market at some point this year. Sign up for our solar newsletter to stay updated!

2023 B Corp Highlights

  • We’re stoked to say we completed our sixth B Corp recertification since our first certification in 2009!
  • And we’re just as stoked to announce that our Southern Energy HQ is LEED Certified
  • BLD Southeast 2023 was held in our hometown of Raleigh this year
  • Our internal B Corp team, the B Squad, held its first all-day annual planning session to reflect, connect and align on goals

What’s Ahead in 2024?

  • We’ll be establishing our 2024 community partners – more to come!
  • We’ll be growing deeper connections with our B Local Triangle community
  • BLD Southeast 2024 in Atlanta

And That’s a Wrap

An enormous amount of appreciation and gratitude for our team, partners, customers and community for shining another year. Our impact is a reflection of your dedication to leading the change with us. 23 years down and infinity to go, so queue up those walk up songs. Cheers to one heck of a year and a sunny 2024!

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SEM SHINE Team

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