There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
North Carolina’s major energy suppliers have met their relatively low Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) goals. Therefore utilities here have decreased the size of solar incentives offered to homeowners. Duke Energy still offers a solar rebate, though actually getting it can be a nuisance (more on that below).
But it's not all bad news! Solar is cheaper than ever, and the cost and payback time of a home solar system in North Carolina is better than in some states. While the legislature could do more to ensure a sunny future for solar by strengthening the state’s Renewables Portfolio Standard, and renewing the expired state tax credit, solar still makes a good deal of sense here.
Learn what solar incentives are available to North Carolina homeowners
See what North Carolina solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or North Carolina solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in North Carolina
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
North Carolina law requires all three of North Carolina’s largest electric utilities –Duke Energy, Progress Energy, and Dominion North Carolina Power– to make full retail rate net metering available to customers. So, any extra kilowatt hours you produce with your solar panels you can’t use in your home in a billing month are carried forward as a credit to your bill the next month at the full retail rate. That’s great!
What’s not so hot is that all unused credit transfers to the utility without compensation at the beginning of the summer season. You don’t get a check for your unused credits under the net metering law, the way you would in other programs.
We can’t be too hard on North Carolina individually, since that’s a shameful trend we’ve seen in a lot of states now, but we’re still not happy about it. Your surplus should be your surplus, no matter how long you hold on to it.
Of note, North Carolina has also made it easier for people with existing solar installations to add in battery storage, without having to wait in the interconnection queue all over again.
Duke Energy and Duke Energy Progress (DEP) are in the fourth year of their five year commitment to $6,000 solar rebates for homeowners. The program, which expires in 2022, can lop off about a third of the cost of an average sized solar energy system. You can get $600 per kilowatt (kW), up to a maximum of $6,000. So, to max out your rebate, you’d need to install a 10-kW solar system.
Getting the rebate requires participating in a gold rush of sorts. Installations completed within 90 days of the beginning of the following year prompts dozens of installers to line up at the computer terminal to claim rewards for the previous year as if they were attending an Elton John concert.
Certainly, there’s a better way to process rebate claims, as there’ve been reports of challenges getting these credits from solar installers. Regardless, if you go solar in 2021, you can work with your installer to claim the $6,000 in early 2022.
In addition to that awesome state solar panel tax credit, North Carolina gives you a little long-term love on your taxes as well when you install a solar power system. You see, when you install a solar power system, your home increases in value because of the anticipated savings in electricity costs.
Exempting property value increases from solar power systems from accompanying property taxes is an easy way to incentivize solar power. North Carolina seems to agree; 100% of the home value increase from your solar power system is exempt from property taxes!
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.8kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
50 solar companies in North Carolina provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.88 100 Reviews
Nat, over 1 month
Yes Solar Solutions helped me through the whole process and were very dependable, including answering all my questions fully. I felt like I was talking to people who knew what they were doing and weren't trying to up-sell me. They were on-schedule and I haven't had any problems with the system since it came on-line. I did have a minor issue when connecting to the panels initially, but Yes Solar took care of that issue quickly. And I was able to get a tax refund last year when part of the cost was incurred and I will get another one this year for the final installments.
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Nat, over 1 month
Yes Solar Solutions helped me through the whole process and were very dependable, including answering all my questions fully. I felt like I was talking to people who knew what they were doing and weren't trying to up-sell me. They were on-schedule and I haven't had any problems with the system since it came on-line. I did have a minor issue when connecting to the panels initially, but Yes Solar took care of that issue quickly. And I was able to get a tax refund last year when part of the cost was incurred and I will get another one this year for the final installments.
4.83 562 Reviews
New, 2 weeks ago
I am very pleased with the service and professionalism exhibited by all of the people at Solar Energy World. I chose this company over two other bids. One was lower, one was higher. Neither offered one phone number to call, for any reason, during the 30-year warranty. The 4.0kW, Q-Cell panels and number of panels used were a positive middle range with better performance, than the other bids. Although I am waiting for the final inspections and am anxious to see how well this array will provide me with better energy for myself, my neighbors, and our neighborhood.
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New, 2 weeks ago
I am very pleased with the service and professionalism exhibited by all of the people at Solar Energy World. I chose this company over two other bids. One was lower, one was higher. Neither offered one phone number to call, for any reason, during the 30-year warranty. The 4.0kW, Q-Cell panels and number of panels used were a positive middle range with better performance, than the other bids. Although I am waiting for the final inspections and am anxious to see how well this array will provide me with better energy for myself, my neighbors, and our neighborhood.
4.72 47 Reviews
Mullallypatrickj, over 1 month
Cape Fear Solar came out and put together a project that worked for me. We were able to work out financing, installation, and inspections with no problems at all. Thanks to the whole team!
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Mullallypatrickj, over 1 month
Cape Fear Solar came out and put together a project that worked for me. We were able to work out financing, installation, and inspections with no problems at all. Thanks to the whole team!
4.67 227 Reviews
Howeard Tyas, over 1 month
Great experience installing Enphase 5P solar batteries to my existing system. Excellent information, thorough permitting process, quick installation and communication. Went over and above keeping me in the loop throughout the entire process. Very professional.
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Howeard Tyas, over 1 month
Great experience installing Enphase 5P solar batteries to my existing system. Excellent information, thorough permitting process, quick installation and communication. Went over and above keeping me in the loop throughout the entire process. Very professional.
4.64 39 Reviews
Jessica High, over 1 month
Recently my husband and I became aware our inverter for our Solar Panels needed replaced. Much to my surprise our original installer was no longer in business. I researched and reached out to several installers and ultimately chose to bring my business to Emerald Energy. I highly recommend this company for several reasons. Emerald Energy by far exceeded our expectations and replaced our inverter with a quick turnaround. I had my inverter installed and my system back fully functional within just a few days! They are reliable, honest and operate with integrity. John and Brandon went above and beyond to answer every question I had both prior to retaining their service, and during the install. They are both extremely knowledgeable. Everything from their customer service, professionalism, turn around time, and pricing is unmatched. They have also been in business 15+ years and now monitor our system 24/7. Which brings peace of mind in our busy life. I was not compensated for this review, I’m just a work-from-home Mom who appreciates small town values in a big city. If you’ve stumbled upon this review, look no further. Call Emerald Energy TODAY!
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Jessica High, over 1 month
Recently my husband and I became aware our inverter for our Solar Panels needed replaced. Much to my surprise our original installer was no longer in business. I researched and reached out to several installers and ultimately chose to bring my business to Emerald Energy. I highly recommend this company for several reasons. Emerald Energy by far exceeded our expectations and replaced our inverter with a quick turnaround. I had my inverter installed and my system back fully functional within just a few days! They are reliable, honest and operate with integrity. John and Brandon went above and beyond to answer every question I had both prior to retaining their service, and during the install. They are both extremely knowledgeable. Everything from their customer service, professionalism, turn around time, and pricing is unmatched. They have also been in business 15+ years and now monitor our system 24/7. Which brings peace of mind in our busy life. I was not compensated for this review, I’m just a work-from-home Mom who appreciates small town values in a big city. If you’ve stumbled upon this review, look no further. Call Emerald Energy TODAY!
4.64 84 Reviews
Gerald, 2 weeks ago
Solar with 3 5p batteries installed in Feb. 8m was great. The process with Duke is time consuming but that is what it is. 2 full months in and system working as good as I was expecting. I have called and talked to both 8m and Enphase and have had awesome response times. I can't wait for how new tech will keep my Duke bill down at the level it has been so dar. From $250 to $30 for April and May.
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Gerald, 2 weeks ago
Solar with 3 5p batteries installed in Feb. 8m was great. The process with Duke is time consuming but that is what it is. 2 full months in and system working as good as I was expecting. I have called and talked to both 8m and Enphase and have had awesome response times. I can't wait for how new tech will keep my Duke bill down at the level it has been so dar. From $250 to $30 for April and May.
4.63 43 Reviews
Greg, 3 weeks ago
Tayco were terrific to work with, from Joe Jensen in Sales, Whitney Smith as project manager, and Gabe on electric. Each was very responsive to our needs (actually listened to what we were trying to accomplish), unbelievably flexible in accommodating a last second change request, speedy in getting the inspections and 2-way meter switchover. Instead of a 2-3 week cycle, they went from installation (Monday) to system activation (Thurs morning).!! There isn't a thing they could have done to make the experience any better.
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Greg, 3 weeks ago
Tayco were terrific to work with, from Joe Jensen in Sales, Whitney Smith as project manager, and Gabe on electric. Each was very responsive to our needs (actually listened to what we were trying to accomplish), unbelievably flexible in accommodating a last second change request, speedy in getting the inspections and 2-way meter switchover. Instead of a 2-3 week cycle, they went from installation (Monday) to system activation (Thurs morning).!! There isn't a thing they could have done to make the experience any better.
4.52 33 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
We had Solar Services give us the only quote we could get in our area, and they came in where we expected price-wise. After working out the installation plans with our HOA (and buying more expensive panels to make the HOA happy), we were ready to begin. And then it rained. And rained. But finally we got our panels installed and inspected, and were able to turn it on yesterday! Solar Services was just an email or phone call away the whole process, and even came out to talk to the HOA and answer questions about the aesthetics of the system, potential problems, etc. Will and Matt are some of the nicest guys possible as the sales team.<br />The two "4 star" review sections below are because we were originally going to get a 24-panel system, but when we upgraded to all black Solaria panels, they wouldn't fit on our roof 8-across. It took until after we had already paid the deposit for them to notice, so we dropped from the 8.6kW system we expected to 7.5. Scheduling the install was another sticking point, but mostly not their fault. There was a ton of rain and they had to find a time that was sunny that still meshed with other installs. They were transparent about the process, but it still took longer than I would have liked.<br />Overall though, I would recommend them to anyone in the area interested in producing their own energy and getting away from coal or gas power plants!
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Anonymous, over 1 month
We had Solar Services give us the only quote we could get in our area, and they came in where we expected price-wise. After working out the installation plans with our HOA (and buying more expensive panels to make the HOA happy), we were ready to begin. And then it rained. And rained. But finally we got our panels installed and inspected, and were able to turn it on yesterday! Solar Services was just an email or phone call away the whole process, and even came out to talk to the HOA and answer questions about the aesthetics of the system, potential problems, etc. Will and Matt are some of the nicest guys possible as the sales team.<br />The two "4 star" review sections below are because we were originally going to get a 24-panel system, but when we upgraded to all black Solaria panels, they wouldn't fit on our roof 8-across. It took until after we had already paid the deposit for them to notice, so we dropped from the 8.6kW system we expected to 7.5. Scheduling the install was another sticking point, but mostly not their fault. There was a ton of rain and they had to find a time that was sunny that still meshed with other installs. They were transparent about the process, but it still took longer than I would have liked.<br />Overall though, I would recommend them to anyone in the area interested in producing their own energy and getting away from coal or gas power plants!
4.50 1,910 Reviews
Stephen Vewue Forkpah, 6 days ago
I had a great experience with Blue Raven Solar during my installation. Blue Raven is one of the best solar energy solutions for your home. Contact them for any solar energy services. Thanks
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Stephen Vewue Forkpah, 6 days ago
I had a great experience with Blue Raven Solar during my installation. Blue Raven is one of the best solar energy solutions for your home. Contact them for any solar energy services. Thanks
4.46 10 Reviews
Cliff Dittrich, 2 days ago
Tony and the crew were great. They were pleasant, courteous and fun to be around. Their installation was wonderful.
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Cliff Dittrich, 2 days ago
Tony and the crew were great. They were pleasant, courteous and fun to be around. Their installation was wonderful.
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