2026 · No Federal Tax Credit · NREL + EIA Data
Solar Panels in North Carolina: Cost, Payback & ROI (2026)
Is solar still worth it in North Carolina after the 30% federal tax credit expired? These pre-computed estimates use NREL PVWatts production data and current 12.8¢/kWh North Carolina electricity rates for a typical home using 900 kWh/month.
Section 25D (30% federal solar tax credit) expired December 31, 2025
All numbers below reflect 2026 math with no federal residential credit. State incentives, where applicable, are noted in the section below.
North Carolina Solar at a Glance
Based on a 900 kWh/month home ($115/mo electric bill at 12.8¢/kWh), 100% offset, no state rebate applied.
7.5 kW
For 900 kWh/month home
$21,972
At $2.95/W (LBNL 2024 avg)
13.9 years
Without state rebate
$1,382
Estimated annual savings
$44,208
Cumulative before rebate
$22,236
Savings minus system cost
12.8¢/kWh
below average vs. 16.0¢ U.S. avg · EIA 2025
1,450 kWh/kW/yr
moderate · 4.4 peak sun hrs/day · NREL PVWatts
Is Solar Worth It in North Carolina in 2026?
North Carolina ranks among the top 5 states for total installed solar capacity, driven by abundant land for utility-scale solar and solid residential incentives. At 12.8¢/kWh and 1,450 kWh/kW/year of production, the residential math is solid. Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolinas both offer retail-rate net metering.
For a typical North Carolina home consuming 900 kWh per month, our calculation shows a 7.5 kW system needed for 100% offset. At the current national average installed cost of $2.95/W (LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024), that's $21,972 gross before any state rebates. Year-one savings of $1,382 grow each year as electricity rates escalate — the model assumes 2.5%/year (EIA AEO 2024).
The 13.9 years payback period is moderate — within the national average range of 8–12 years. Over 25 years — the standard warranty period for most premium panels — a North Carolina homeowner following this profile would save an estimated $44,208 total, for a net benefit of $22,236 after recovering the system cost.
Year-by-Year Savings Snapshot: First 10 Years
Based on 7.5 kW system, 0.5%/yr degradation, 2.5%/yr rate escalation, no state rebate.
| Year | Production (kWh) | Annual Savings | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 10,800 | $1,382 | $1,382 |
| Year 2 | 10,746 | $1,410 | $2,792 |
| Year 3 | 10,692 | $1,438 | $4,230 |
| Year 4 | 10,639 | $1,466 | $5,697 |
| Year 5 | 10,586 | $1,496 | $7,192 |
| Year 6 | 10,533 | $1,525 | $8,718 |
| Year 7 | 10,480 | $1,556 | $10,273 |
| Year 8 | 10,428 | $1,587 | $11,860 |
| Year 9 | 10,375 | $1,618 | $13,478 |
| Year 10 | 10,324 | $1,650 | $15,128 |
System cost to recover: $21,972. Table shows savings without state rebate applied. Use the interactive calculator to enter your actual bill and any rebate.
Solar Incentives in North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina has historically had strong solar policy with tax credits (which expired in 2015), but net metering and falling equipment costs keep the economics sound.
- Net metering via Duke Energy (retail rate)
- Property tax exclusion on solar added value
- NCSEA Green Power Program
Incentive programs change frequently. Verify current offerings at dsireusa.org or directly with your utility before making any purchasing decision.
How We Calculate North Carolina Solar ROI
These estimates use the same methodology as our interactive solar ROI calculator, applied to North Carolina-specific data:
System cost
$2.95/W installed
LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024
Solar production
1,450 kWh/kW/yr
NREL PVWatts v8
Electricity rate
12.8¢/kWh
EIA Residential Rates 2025
Rate escalation
2.5%/year
EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2024
Panel degradation
0.5%/year
NREL (Jordan & Kurtz, median)
System lifetime
25 years
Standard warranty period
No Section 25D (federal residential solar credit) is included — it expired December 31, 2025. State incentives are not reflected in these pre-computed figures; use the interactive calculator to enter specific rebate amounts.
Calculate With Your Actual Numbers
The figures above use statewide averages. Enter your actual monthly bill, any North Carolina rebate amounts, and your offset target in our interactive calculator for a personalized estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar in North Carolina
Compare Other States
Estimates are based on NREL PVWatts v8 production data, EIA 2025 electricity rates, and LBNL 2024 installed cost benchmarks. Actual savings vary by roof pitch, shading, utility rate structure, and local permit costs. This is not financial advice. Consult a licensed solar installer before making any purchasing decision.