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
50 solar companies in North Carolina provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.90 229 Reviews
Andrew Haines, over 1 month
I’ve had a good experience with Lunex so far. I was able to get a price that I felt was fair to me after talking with several companies. The sales representative, Teo, made recommendations but ultimately went with what I was interested in. He worked with me as I was gathering my funds, and I didn’t feel pressured that I needed to be done right away.The installation went well, and the installers were friendly. We connected about a small area that we both lived in. After my system was up and running then I got a text from Wilfredo who met me when I was available in the evening after work to explain the Tesla app to me. I like that we were able to share screens so we could discuss the information and both see the same thing. Overall, it’s been a very nice experience. I’m looking forward to seeing what my first bill will be, which will be the true litmus test.
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Andrew Haines, over 1 month
I’ve had a good experience with Lunex so far. I was able to get a price that I felt was fair to me after talking with several companies. The sales representative, Teo, made recommendations but ultimately went with what I was interested in. He worked with me as I was gathering my funds, and I didn’t feel pressured that I needed to be done right away.The installation went well, and the installers were friendly. We connected about a small area that we both lived in. After my system was up and running then I got a text from Wilfredo who met me when I was available in the evening after work to explain the Tesla app to me. I like that we were able to share screens so we could discuss the information and both see the same thing. Overall, it’s been a very nice experience. I’m looking forward to seeing what my first bill will be, which will be the true litmus test.
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.
4.70 689 Reviews
Chris Sales, over 1 month
I had a great experience with Carson’s team from Solar Energy World. When we decided to go solar, we contacted 4 companies to give us quotes. Carson from SEW came highly recommended by a neighbor friend. From the start, he was very professional and came in prepared for our meeting. He answered all our questions. He took the time to make sure that we understand how solar works and it can benefit us now and it the long run. He was also easily accessible through text, call or email for follow up inquiries. The installation was straightforward, the installation team were professional and efficient as well. Carson was there for the whole process including making sure we are properly connected to the grid and be able to see our connectivity (production, consumption, export and import of energy). He and his team guided us through it all. I highly recommend Solar Energy World for people that are looking into getting solar panels for their home or business.
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Chris Sales, over 1 month
I had a great experience with Carson’s team from Solar Energy World. When we decided to go solar, we contacted 4 companies to give us quotes. Carson from SEW came highly recommended by a neighbor friend. From the start, he was very professional and came in prepared for our meeting. He answered all our questions. He took the time to make sure that we understand how solar works and it can benefit us now and it the long run. He was also easily accessible through text, call or email for follow up inquiries. The installation was straightforward, the installation team were professional and efficient as well. Carson was there for the whole process including making sure we are properly connected to the grid and be able to see our connectivity (production, consumption, export and import of energy). He and his team guided us through it all. I highly recommend Solar Energy World for people that are looking into getting solar panels for their home or business.
4.65 50 Reviews
Wkramer, over 1 month
My neighbor reported squirrels on my roof so I decided to get critter guards installed on my system that was installed in 2023 by Cape Fear Solar. I made an appointment that was set in a timely manner and a reasonable cost and Justin Goodman and Dylan Watkins came today to inspect the system for damage caused by squirrels and install the critter guard. They found and repaired some damage caused by chewing and made a quick repair. They installed the critter guard (It looks great). They worked quickly and kept me informed as to what they were doing as they did it. They are a credit to Cape Fear Solar and I highly recommend them.
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Wkramer, over 1 month
My neighbor reported squirrels on my roof so I decided to get critter guards installed on my system that was installed in 2023 by Cape Fear Solar. I made an appointment that was set in a timely manner and a reasonable cost and Justin Goodman and Dylan Watkins came today to inspect the system for damage caused by squirrels and install the critter guard. They found and repaired some damage caused by chewing and made a quick repair. They installed the critter guard (It looks great). They worked quickly and kept me informed as to what they were doing as they did it. They are a credit to Cape Fear Solar and I highly recommend them.
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.
4.54 239 Reviews
Dmitry Pasternak, over 1 month
I am writing this to warn any homeowners in the Carolinas to scrutinize their system design before signing with Renu Energy Solutions (Swell Energy). My experience has revealed a pattern of under-engineering and a refusal to correct documented hardware mismatches. The Issue: Renu installed 395W Mission Solar panels paired with Enphase IQ8+ microinverters. In the high-irradiance climate of South Carolina, this created an aggressive 1.36 DC:AC ratio. The Result: My system is physically capped. Every sunny day, production hits a hard "flat-top" ceiling for 2.5 hours, meaning the panels are generating power that the inverters are simply incapable of processing. This is not "industry standard"—it is a hardware bottleneck that prevents the system from ever reaching the capacity I am financing. The Business Practice: When confronted with the data, Renu admitted to the performance gap in their own simulations. However, instead of correcting the engineering error, they demanded an additional $1,500+ "upgrade fee" to install the correct high-output inverters (IQ8AC/HC) that should have been there on day one. They are effectively attempting to profit a second time from a design failure. The "Guarantee" Distraction: Renu attempts to hide behind an "annual production guarantee." Do not be misled—a guarantee based on low-ball annual averages does not excuse installing a system that chokes off peak production daily. I have formally escalated this matter to the SC LLR (Case #2026-176 CLB), the SC Department of Consumer Affairs (#C26-01433), and Advancial Credit Union. If you value engineering integrity and honest disclosure of system limitations, look elsewhere.
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Dmitry Pasternak, over 1 month
I am writing this to warn any homeowners in the Carolinas to scrutinize their system design before signing with Renu Energy Solutions (Swell Energy). My experience has revealed a pattern of under-engineering and a refusal to correct documented hardware mismatches. The Issue: Renu installed 395W Mission Solar panels paired with Enphase IQ8+ microinverters. In the high-irradiance climate of South Carolina, this created an aggressive 1.36 DC:AC ratio. The Result: My system is physically capped. Every sunny day, production hits a hard "flat-top" ceiling for 2.5 hours, meaning the panels are generating power that the inverters are simply incapable of processing. This is not "industry standard"—it is a hardware bottleneck that prevents the system from ever reaching the capacity I am financing. The Business Practice: When confronted with the data, Renu admitted to the performance gap in their own simulations. However, instead of correcting the engineering error, they demanded an additional $1,500+ "upgrade fee" to install the correct high-output inverters (IQ8AC/HC) that should have been there on day one. They are effectively attempting to profit a second time from a design failure. The "Guarantee" Distraction: Renu attempts to hide behind an "annual production guarantee." Do not be misled—a guarantee based on low-ball annual averages does not excuse installing a system that chokes off peak production daily. I have formally escalated this matter to the SC LLR (Case #2026-176 CLB), the SC Department of Consumer Affairs (#C26-01433), and Advancial Credit Union. If you value engineering integrity and honest disclosure of system limitations, look elsewhere.
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!
4.51 104 Reviews
Ravi Teja Upputuri , over 1 month
I recently had my solar system installed by 8M Solar, and I’m very happy with the entire experience. Their work was extremely accurate, clean, and professional—even after the installation, everything looked well-finished and tidy. A special mention goes to Rana, my project coordinator, who was incredibly responsive and helpful throughout the process. He patiently answered all my questions and guided me through every step, including helping revise the system design when my HOA didn’t approve panels on the front side of my house. Even though this change reduced my generation capacity by about 30%, 8M Solar supported me fully and found the best possible alternative. Overall, I highly recommend 8M Solar for their technical expertise, attention to detail, and customer-focused service.
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Ravi Teja Upputuri , over 1 month
I recently had my solar system installed by 8M Solar, and I’m very happy with the entire experience. Their work was extremely accurate, clean, and professional—even after the installation, everything looked well-finished and tidy. A special mention goes to Rana, my project coordinator, who was incredibly responsive and helpful throughout the process. He patiently answered all my questions and guided me through every step, including helping revise the system design when my HOA didn’t approve panels on the front side of my house. Even though this change reduced my generation capacity by about 30%, 8M Solar supported me fully and found the best possible alternative. Overall, I highly recommend 8M Solar for their technical expertise, attention to detail, and customer-focused service.
4.43 36 Reviews
RF, over 1 month
I’ve been in the construction industry for many years. In that time, I took note that NC Solar has consistently earned a reputation as an elite solar company by inspectors and praised by homeowners. It’s unusual to have this combination, including being competitively priced. NC Solar was all of the above, and then some. They were responsive throughout the process to questions and provided helpful information. Installer’s were professional, courteous, and clearly well-trained. Thank you for an exceptional experience.
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RF, over 1 month
I’ve been in the construction industry for many years. In that time, I took note that NC Solar has consistently earned a reputation as an elite solar company by inspectors and praised by homeowners. It’s unusual to have this combination, including being competitively priced. NC Solar was all of the above, and then some. They were responsive throughout the process to questions and provided helpful information. Installer’s were professional, courteous, and clearly well-trained. Thank you for an exceptional experience.
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources: