North Carolina Solar Incentives 2026 — Expired State Credit, Strong Federal + Utility
North Carolina's state solar tax credit expired, but the federal 30% ITC still applies. Duke Energy and Dominion NC both offer competitive net metering and some programs are expanding under the Carbon Plan mandate.
$14,500+
Max potential savings
3
Total incentives
12.8¢
Avg rate / kWh
15.6 yrs
Solar payback
$13,000
25-yr solar savings
1%
EV fleet share
Good ☀️☀️
Solar potential
Solar Incentives in North Carolina
Duke Energy NC Net Metering
Avoided-cost credits
Duke Energy NC offers net metering at avoided cost (lower than retail). Legislative changes expected.
Eligibility: Duke Energy NC residential customers.
EV Incentives in North Carolina
Duke Energy EV Charger Rebate
Up to $500
Rebate for installation of Level 2 EV chargers at home.
Eligibility: Duke Energy NC residential customers.
Heat Pump Incentives in North Carolina
HEAR Rebate (High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate)
Up to $14,000
Point-of-sale rebate up to $8,000 for heat pumps, $1,750 for HPWHs, $4,000 for panel upgrades. Income-based.
Eligibility: Households < 150% of Area Median Income. Program administered by state energy offices.
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Is Solar Worth It in North Carolina?
Solar is viable in North Carolina. With electricity at 12.8¢/kWh and 4.8 peak sun hours per day, a typical 8 kW system pays back in 15.6 years and saves $13k over 25 years. Note: The federal 25D solar ITC expired December 31, 2025.
Key Advantage
State and utility incentives may still reduce net system cost. The federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025 — check your state's energy office and DSIRE.org for active programs in North Carolina.
Watch Out For
Below-average electricity rates reduce the financial benefit of solar vs. high-rate states.
Solar Cost & Savings in North Carolina (8 kW System)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross install cost | $22,400 |
| Federal ITC (30%) | −$6,720 |
| Net cost (after ITC) | $15,680 |
| Annual energy savings | $1,435 |
| Simple payback period | 15.6 years |
| 25-year net savings | $13,000 |
* Estimates based on 2.8/W avg install cost, 4.8 peak sun hrs/day, and 12.8¢/kWh rate with 2.5%/yr escalation. Individual results vary.
Get Free Solar Installation Quotes
Compare bids from 3+ pre-vetted local installers. Takes 60 seconds.
🎯 Your estimated savings: $13,000 — get quotes to lock this in.
Referral partnership with EnergySage. No cost to you.
How to Go Solar in North Carolina: Step-by-Step
- 1
Calculate your energy usage
Review 12 months of electricity bills to find your annual kWh usage. North Carolina's average is approximately 11760 kWh/year.
- 2
Get 3+ quotes from local installers
Use EnergySage, DSIRE, or your state energy office to find certified installers. Compare $/W pricing and warranty terms.
- 3
Check state and utility incentives
Visit DSIRE.org to find current state and utility solar incentives in your area. The federal 25D solar ITC expired Dec 31, 2025. If you installed in 2025, file IRS Form 5695 with your 2025 return to claim it.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar & Clean Energy in North Carolina
Is solar worth it in North Carolina in 2026?
At 12.8¢/kWh and 4.8 peak sun hours/day, solar payback in North Carolina is approximately 15.6 years with 25-year net savings of ~$13k. Note: The federal 25D solar ITC expired December 31, 2025. State and utility incentives may still apply — check DSIRE.org for current North Carolina programs.
What solar incentives are available in North Carolina?
The federal 25D solar ITC expired December 31, 2025 and is not available for 2026 installations. If installed in 2025, you may still claim it on your 2025 tax return. North Carolina offers 2 state/utility incentives including Duke Energy NC Net Metering and Duke Energy EV Charger Rebate.
How much does solar cost in North Carolina in 2026?
The average installation cost in North Carolina is approximately $2.8/W, or $22,400 for an 8 kW system. The federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025, so net cost before any remaining state incentives is ~$22,400.
Recommended Products for North Carolina
Duke Energy Charger Prep Credit · Raleigh-Durham tech corridor
Calculate Your North Carolina Savings
Use our free calculators with North Carolina's electricity rate (12.8¢/kWh) and gas prices ($1.46/therm) automatically applied.
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Data Sources & Methodology
Incentive data: DSIRE, U.S. DOE, IRS, and state energy offices. Electricity rates: EIA Electric Power Monthly (Feb 2026). Solar production: NREL PVWatts v8. Install costs: EnergySage National Market Report Q4 2025. Rate escalation: 2.5%/yr (20-yr EIA avg). Last updated February 2026. Always verify current amounts with the administering agency.