Solar Panels in Raleigh, North Carolina

Q: How much do solar panels cost in Raleigh, North Carolina?

A typical 8 kW system in Raleigh costs approximately $22,400 installed (2026 average: ~$2.80/W). The federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available for residential buyers. Your net cost is $22,400.

Q: Is solar worth it in Raleigh without the federal tax credit?

Raleigh produces 1395.7 kWh/kWp/year. An 8 kW system saves $1,527/year and pays back in 9.9 years — even without the expired federal credit. Solar is well worth it in Raleigh.

Q: How long is the solar payback period in Raleigh?

The payback period in Raleigh is approximately 9.9 years, based on 1395.7 kWh/kWp annual yield (PVGIS v5.3) and a 13.68¢/kWh electricity rate (EIA data, updated April 11, 2026).

Raleigh receives 1395.7 kWh per kWp of solar panels per year — 8.4% below the US national average of 1,550 kWh/kWp. At North Carolina's electricity rate of 13.68¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,527/year and pays back in 9.9 years.

Solar is well worth it in Raleigh. Note: The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. The numbers below reflect today's actual costs.

Annual yield:1395.7 kWh/kWp

Electricity rate:13.68¢/kWh

Payback:9.9 yrs

Location:35.78°N

Raleigh Solar at a Glance

Annual solar yield1395.7 kWh/kWp/yr

Optimal tilt angle27° south-facing

Avg. daily sun hours22.5 hrs/day

Electricity rate13.68¢ per kWh

8 kW system cost (2026)$22,400

Your net cost$22,400

Annual savings$1,527/yr

Payback period9.9 years

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

How Much Solar Power Does Raleigh Get Each Month?

Monthly solar yield (kWh per kWp installed) based on PVGIS satellite data for 35.78°N, 78.64°W.

103

125

133

138

134

131

124

111

112

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Best month: 137.9 kWh/kWp (May)Worst month: 86.7 kWh/kWp (Dec)Monthly avg: 116 kWh/kWp

Live Solar Forecast for Raleigh

Real-time generation estimate for an 8 kW system based on today's weather forecast. Data: forecast.solar.

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Is a Home Battery Worth It in Raleigh?

A battery stores excess midday solar for use at peak evening hours. At 13.68¢/kWh in Raleigh, here is the math for the two most popular options.

Tesla Powerwall 3

Capacity

13.5 kWh

Installed cost

$11,500

Annual savings

$539

Payback

21.3 yrs

10-year value: $5,390 · Based on 365 cycles/yr, 13.68¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.

Generic LFP 10 kWh

Capacity

10 kWh

Installed cost

$8,000

Annual savings

$383

Payback

20.9 yrs

10-year value: $3,830 · Based on 350 cycles/yr, 13.68¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.

Battery ROI improves significantly in states with Time-of-Use (TOU) rates where peak electricity can cost 2–3× the off-peak rate. California (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E), New York (ConEd), and Massachusetts (Eversource) have the strongest TOU incentives for battery storage.

What Are the 25-Year Solar Savings in Raleigh?

Based on 1395.7 kWh/kWp/yr yield, 13.68¢/kWh electricity rate, and a 2026 system cost of $2.80/W. Federal tax credit expired Dec 31, 2025 — not included.

System cost

$22,400

Installed, 8 kW

Federal ITC

Expired

Sec. 25D ended Dec 2025

Net investment

$22,400

Your actual cost

25-yr savings

$36,266

Est. lifetime benefit

Federal Solar Tax Credit Update: The 30% residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired on December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify for the federal credit. State and local incentives below may still apply — check with your installer.

What Solar Incentives Are Available in Raleigh, North Carolina?

The federal ITC expired in 2025. These state and utility incentives still apply in North Carolina.

Property Tax Exemption

North Carolina exempts the solar-added home value from property taxes. A $22,400 system won't raise your tax bill.

Net Metering

Earn bill credits for excess solar electricity sent back to the grid.

Utility & Local Programs

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

See all North Carolina incentives Solar learning guides

Calculate Your Exact Savings

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Solar Panels in Raleigh: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar panels cost in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2026?

In Raleigh, a typical 8 kW solar system costs approximately $22,400 installed (at ~$2.80/W, the 2026 US average). The federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025, so that 30% rebate is no longer available for residential cash or loan purchases. Prices vary by installer, panel brand, and roof complexity.

Is solar worth it in Raleigh without the federal tax credit?

Raleigh generates 1395.7 kWh per kWp annually — 8.4% below the US average. At North Carolina's electricity rate of 13.68¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,527/year and pays back in about 9.9 years — even without the expired federal credit. Solar is well worth it in Raleigh.

How much electricity do solar panels produce in Raleigh?

In Raleigh, each kW of solar panels produces approximately 1395.7 kWh per year. An 8 kW system generates about 11,165.6 kWh annually — enough to cover the average North Carolina household's electricity use. Peak production hits 137.9 kWh/kWp in May, with the lowest output of 86.7 kWh/kWp in Dec. Data source: PVGIS v5.3 satellite radiation model.

What solar incentives are available in Raleigh, North Carolina?

the expired federal tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available for residential buyers. North Carolina also exempts solar systems from property tax assessments. Net metering and local utility programs may provide additional savings.

How long is the solar payback period in Raleigh?

In Raleigh, the average payback period for an 8 kW solar system is approximately 9.9 years. This is based on 1395.7 kWh/kWp annual yield (PVGIS data), a 13.68¢/kWh electricity rate (EIA 2026 data), and an $22,400 installed cost. After payback, the system produces free electricity for 15–20 more years.

Environmental Impact & Home Value in Raleigh

An 8 kW solar system in Raleigh produces roughly 11,165.6 kWh/year. Here is what that means beyond your electricity bill.

🌿

CO₂ avoided per year

4.3 tonnes

4,310 kg · EPA grid avg 0.386 kg/kWh

🌳

Tree equivalent

198 trees

Trees needed to absorb same CO₂ annually

🏠

Home value boost

+$1,546

Avg +6.9% (Lawrence Berkeley Lab / Zillow data)

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US homes powered

Avg US home uses 10,632 kWh/yr (EIA 2024)

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need in Raleigh?

The right system size depends on your annual electricity usage and how much of your bill you want to offset. In Raleigh, where annual solar yield is 1395.7 kWh per kWp, here is what different households typically need:

Annual usage	System size	Panels (400 W)	Est. cost	Annual savings
6,000 kWh Small home	4.3 kW	11 panels	$12,040	$821/yr
10,800 kWh Average home	7.8 kW	20 panels	$21,840	$1,477/yr
15,000 kWh Large home	10.8 kW	27 panels	$30,240	$2,052/yr
20,000 kWh Large + EV	14.4 kW	36 panels	$40,320	$2,736/yr

Costs based on $2.80/W installed (2026 US average). Panel count assumes 400 W modules. Savings based on current 13.68¢/kWh rate. State incentives not included — see above for North Carolina credits.

RaleighSolar Resources & 2026 Incentives

Key information for homeowners in Raleigh going solar in 2026 — after the federal 30% tax credit expired December 31, 2025.

⚡ Federal Tax Credit Status (2026)

The 30% Section 25D residential solar credit expired December 31, 2025. An 8 kW system in Raleigh costs $22,400 after any applicable state credits. The commercial Section 48 credit (for businesses, landlords) was not affected.

IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit →

🔌 Net Metering in North Carolina

North Carolina has a net metering policy. Contact your local utility for current export rates.

DSIRE — North Carolina Incentive Database →

🏛️ North Carolina State Incentives

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

✓ Property tax exempt

📚 Authoritative Sources