Complete Guide to Solar Energy in North Carolina
Your complete resource for solar energy in North Carolina. Everything you need to know about solar laws, solar costs, solar financing, and solar installation.
Why North Carolina is Perfect for Solar Energy
Abundant Sunshine
North Carolina enjoys over 210 sunny days per year, providing excellent conditions for solar energy generation across all regions from the mountains to the coast.
80% Property Tax Exemption
North Carolina offers an 80% property tax exemption on solar system appraised value, significantly reducing ownership costs while increasing home value.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS)
North Carolina mandates utilities to generate a significant portion of their electricity output via renewables like solar, the first state in the Northeast to adopt this policy.
Protection Against Rising Rates
Solar locks in your electricity costs for 25+ years, protecting against utility rate increases planned through 2025 and beyond.
Quick Solar Facts
Explore Solar Topics
Laws & Regulations
80% property tax exemption, net metering transition, Solar Access Law, and HOA protections.
Residential Solar
Complete guide for homeowners, system components, benefits, and installation requirements for North Carolina homes.
Costs & Savings
2026 pricing ($2.38-$3.08/watt), cost breakdown, savings calculations, and payback periods specific to North Carolina.
Financing Options
Solar loans, leases, PPAs, PACE financing, and available incentive programs for North Carolina residents.
Installation Guide
Choosing installers, permits, contracts, installation process, and Duke Energy interconnection requirements.
Solar 101
Basics of solar technology, components, types of panels, efficiency ratings, and maintenance requirements.
Community Solar
Shared solar programs, legislation updates, and options for renters and those without suitable roofs.
Solar Calculator
Estimate your solar savings and system requirements based on North Carolina electricity rates and sunshine.
Quick Solar Savings Calculator
Important 2026 Updates
Federal ITC Expired
The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit expired on December 31, 2025. New residential solar installations can only rely on state incentives.
Net Metering Transition
Traditional net metering is being phased out. Existing systems are grandfathered until December 31, 2026. New installations fall under updated interconnection policies with different compensation structures.
North Carolina Solar Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal framework that supports solar energy in North Carolina
Federal Incentives
The 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) expired at the end of 2025. Therefore, homeowners should expect to pay more for new installations.
Property Tax Exemption
North Carolina provides an 80% property tax exemption on the appraised value added by solar energy systems, reducing ongoing ownership costs.
Solar Access Law
Protects homeowners’ rights to install solar systems. HOAs cannot prohibit solar but may impose reasonable restrictions on placement that don’t significantly increase costs.