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North Carolina · NC

Solar Panels in North Carolina:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

North Carolina averages 1386.3 kWh per kWp per year with 5.3 peak sun hours per day. At 13.68¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,517/year and pays back in about 10 years.

North Carolina Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day5.3 hrs
Avg solar yield1386.3 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate13.68¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)10 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$1,517/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in North Carolina

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

Full retail net metering (Duke/Dominion/DEP), property tax exemption, growing solar market

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in North Carolina

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do North Carolina Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 7 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

Charlotte
1392.1 kWh/kWp · 9.9 yr payback
Raleigh
1395.7 kWh/kWp · 9.9 yr payback
Greensboro
1376.3 kWh/kWp · 10 yr payback
Durham
1379 kWh/kWp · 10 yr payback
Winston-Salem
1375.8 kWh/kWp · 10 yr payback
Fayetteville
1403.1 kWh/kWp · 9.8 yr payback
Cary
1382.1 kWh/kWp · 10 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for North Carolina.

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All North Carolina incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar worth it in North Carolina?
For many homeowners, yes — though payback is longer than average in North Carolina. Low electricity rates (13.68¢/kWh) extend payback to 10.0 years. But the 25-year savings (~$27,930) still significantly exceed system costs, and electricity prices will likely rise. North Carolina is the #2 solar state by installed capacity. Duke Energy's net metering plus a utility-scale feed-in structure make residential solar straightforward.
What solar incentives are available in North Carolina?
North Carolina homeowners can stack multiple incentives: the state solar incentives (federal ITC expired Dec 2025) (ITC) — $6,480 on a typical 8 kW system; a property tax exemption (solar-added home value not taxed); and net metering through Duke Energy Carolinas / Progress. North Carolina is the #2 solar state by installed capacity. Duke Energy's net metering plus a utility-scale feed-in structure make residential solar straightforward.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in North Carolina?
North Carolina averages 1386.3 kWh per kWp of solar per year — 8% below the US average. An 8 kW system produces roughly 11,090 kWh/year, with a monthly average of 115.5 kWh/kWp. Output varies by location: southern North Carolina produces more than the north.
How much do solar panels cost in North Carolina?
The average 8 kW system in North Carolina costs approximately $21,600.0 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,480), your net cost is around $15,120. Prices range from $2.40–$3.20/watt installed depending on installer, panel brand, and hurricane risk in eastern NC, otherwise excellent conditions.

Going Solar in North Carolina: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in North Carolina. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in North Carolina average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 13.68¢/kWh in North Carolina, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    North Carolina does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. Full retail net metering (Duke/Dominion/DEP).

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in North Carolina typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for North Carolina: North Carolina averages 1386.3 kWh/kWp/year with 5.3 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 13.68¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$1,517/year and pays back in 10.0 years. Full retail net metering (Duke/Dominion/DEP), property tax exemption, growing solar market.