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!
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Prices based on a 10.8kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
51 solar companies in North Carolina provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.92 143 Reviews
Edson, 1 week ago
Very helpful, got me information needed for my current house & another house that I had solar on with another company.
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Edson, 1 week ago
Very helpful, got me information needed for my current house & another house that I had solar on with another company.
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.
4.81 578 Reviews
Jason Yiannakis, 5 days ago
From the very first meeting with Ben Harlow, to the installation crew and electrician showing up, this company is top notch. Communication throughout every stop of this process with Ben has been easy and all questions answered. The installation crew and electricians finished ahead of schedule, neat, and professional. They communicated with me throughout the entire process.
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Jason Yiannakis, 5 days ago
From the very first meeting with Ben Harlow, to the installation crew and electrician showing up, this company is top notch. Communication throughout every stop of this process with Ben has been easy and all questions answered. The installation crew and electricians finished ahead of schedule, neat, and professional. They communicated with me throughout the entire process.
4.74 86 Reviews
Maurice and Deborah Jordan, 3 days ago
I recently had the pleasure of working with 8M Solar, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience! From start to finish, the team was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. Aaron, Hamza, Shahzaib, Ahsan, and Jonathan were all outstanding in their respective roles, ensuring every step of the process was smooth and seamless. Aaron and Hamza took the time to explain everything in detail, making sure I was comfortable with the technical aspects. Shahzaib was amazing with his prompt communication and attention to detail, while Ahsan's expertise was evident in the flawless installation. Jonathan’s commitment to customer service was the cherry on top, always available to address any concerns and making sure we were fully satisfied. Thanks to the entire team, my solar panel system was installed on time, within budget, and it's already working great! If you’re considering solar energy, I highly recommend 8M Solar. These guys are the best!
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Maurice and Deborah Jordan, 3 days ago
I recently had the pleasure of working with 8M Solar, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience! From start to finish, the team was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. Aaron, Hamza, Shahzaib, Ahsan, and Jonathan were all outstanding in their respective roles, ensuring every step of the process was smooth and seamless. Aaron and Hamza took the time to explain everything in detail, making sure I was comfortable with the technical aspects. Shahzaib was amazing with his prompt communication and attention to detail, while Ahsan's expertise was evident in the flawless installation. Jonathan’s commitment to customer service was the cherry on top, always available to address any concerns and making sure we were fully satisfied. Thanks to the entire team, my solar panel system was installed on time, within budget, and it's already working great! If you’re considering solar energy, I highly recommend 8M Solar. These guys are the best!
4.72 49 Reviews
Hilary Martin, 3 weeks ago
Our experience with Cape Fear Solar Systems was excellent, and I recommend them highly. Dar Hubsch, our contact with the company, was with us every step of the way, answering all our questions and holding our hands when we needed it. I'll miss him! The team leaders who worked on the various phases of the project were professional, friendly, and careful. I was especially impressed with the efforts they took to keep things clean as they worked. I want to mention Gabe Wood, Ulysses Ramos, and Tyler Duke as especially helpful and pleasant, and Derek Madrid was wonderful! The whole process was fascinating rather than stressful or disruptive, thanks to Cape Fear Solar Systems well-oiled process, and we were operational a lot faster than we expected. I feel confident that if any problems arise in the future, they will stand behind their work, which was a big reason we chose a local company.
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Hilary Martin, 3 weeks ago
Our experience with Cape Fear Solar Systems was excellent, and I recommend them highly. Dar Hubsch, our contact with the company, was with us every step of the way, answering all our questions and holding our hands when we needed it. I'll miss him! The team leaders who worked on the various phases of the project were professional, friendly, and careful. I was especially impressed with the efforts they took to keep things clean as they worked. I want to mention Gabe Wood, Ulysses Ramos, and Tyler Duke as especially helpful and pleasant, and Derek Madrid was wonderful! The whole process was fascinating rather than stressful or disruptive, thanks to Cape Fear Solar Systems well-oiled process, and we were operational a lot faster than we expected. I feel confident that if any problems arise in the future, they will stand behind their work, which was a big reason we chose a local company.
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!
4.63 43 Reviews
Greg, over 1 month
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, over 1 month
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.
4.60 229 Reviews
BrandonK, 2 weeks ago
I had my system installed in 2018 by Renu. The installation process went smoothly, though I missed out on some of the expected rebate from Duke Energy due to the specific equipment that was selected. My experience of customer service after installation has been extremely poor. I have encountered bounced emails, unreturned voicemails, and a lack of follow-ups. I had an inverter failure under warranty and had to handle the warranty claim myself because I could not get a response from Renu. I have not had system monitoring now for several years because Renu has not updated the monitoring information and I can not restore monitoring myself since Renu is the administrator of my system.
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BrandonK, 2 weeks ago
I had my system installed in 2018 by Renu. The installation process went smoothly, though I missed out on some of the expected rebate from Duke Energy due to the specific equipment that was selected. My experience of customer service after installation has been extremely poor. I have encountered bounced emails, unreturned voicemails, and a lack of follow-ups. I had an inverter failure under warranty and had to handle the warranty claim myself because I could not get a response from Renu. I have not had system monitoring now for several years because Renu has not updated the monitoring information and I can not restore monitoring myself since Renu is the administrator of my system.
4.53 12 Reviews
T.Siddiqi, over 1 month
Clean and professional Solar panels installation. Thank you team and a special thanks for Tony.
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T.Siddiqi, over 1 month
Clean and professional Solar panels installation. Thank you team and a special thanks for Tony.
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!
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources: