Solar Panels in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem receives 1375.8 kWh per kWp of solar panels per year — 9.7% 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 $1,506/year and pays back in 10 years.
Solar is well worth it in Winston-Salem. Note: The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. The numbers below reflect today's actual costs.
Winston-Salem Solar at a Glance
Last updated: April 11, 2026 · Sources: PVGIS v5.3, EIA
How Much Solar Power Does Winston-Salem Get Each Month?
Monthly solar yield (kWh per kWp installed) based on PVGIS satellite data for 36.10°N, 80.24°W.
Live Solar Forecast for Winston-Salem
Real-time generation estimate for an 8 kW system based on today's weather forecast. Data: forecast.solar.
Is a Home Battery Worth It in Winston-Salem?
A battery stores excess midday solar for use at peak evening hours. At 13.68¢/kWh in Winston-Salem, here is the math for the two most popular options.
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.
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 Winston-Salem?
Based on 1375.8 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.
What Solar Incentives Are Available in Winston-Salem, North Carolina?
The federal ITC expired in 2025. These state and utility incentives still apply in North Carolina.
Solar Panels in Winston-Salem: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 2026?
Is solar worth it in Winston-Salem without the federal tax credit?
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Winston-Salem?
What solar incentives are available in Winston-Salem, North Carolina?
How long is the solar payback period in Winston-Salem?
Environmental Impact & Home Value in Winston-Salem
An 8 kW solar system in Winston-Salem produces roughly 11,006.4 kWh/year. Here is what that means beyond your electricity bill.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need in Winston-Salem?
The right system size depends on your annual electricity usage and how much of your bill you want to offset. In Winston-Salem, where annual solar yield is 1375.8 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 | 4.4 kW | 11 panels | $12,320 | $821/yr |
| 10,800 kWh Average home | 7.9 kW | 20 panels | $22,120 | $1,477/yr |
| 15,000 kWh Large home | 11.0 kW | 28 panels | $30,800 | $2,052/yr |
| 20,000 kWh Large + EV | 14.6 kW | 37 panels | $40,880 | $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.
Winston-SalemSolar Resources & 2026 Incentives
Key information for homeowners in Winston-Salem going solar in 2026 — after the federal 30% tax credit expired December 31, 2025.
The 30% Section 25D residential solar credit expired December 31, 2025. An 8 kW system in Winston-Salem costs $22,400 after any applicable state credits. The commercial Section 48 credit (for businesses, landlords) was not affected.
IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit →North Carolina has a net metering policy. Contact your local utility for current export rates.
DSIRE — North Carolina Incentive Database →Full retail net metering (Duke/Dominion/DEP), property tax exemption, growing solar market
- PVGIS — EU JRC Solar Yield Data(yield figures on this page)
- EIA — North Carolina Electricity Profile(electricity rates)
- DSIRE — North Carolina Solar Incentives(incentives & rebates)
- Lawrence Berkeley Lab — Tracking the Sun(installed cost data)
- NREL — Solar Panel Degradation Study(lifespan & performance)