Solar Financing in North Carolina
Lease vs. Buy vs. PPA — Complete financing guide for NC homeowners
Urgent tax credit deadlines
- Section 48E phase-out completes December 31, 2027 — projects must be placed in service by then (515 days left).
⚠ The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (48E/ITC) expired July 4, 2026.
Selecting 30% ITC assumes you began construction before this deadline. Most new purchases no longer qualify.Learn about your options after the deadline →
Going solar in North Carolina? With electricity rates averaging16.25¢/kWhand good solar resources, choosing the right financing option can save you $21,500 or more over 25 years. This guide breaks down every option available to North Carolina homeowners.
Avg Rate
16.25¢
per kWh
Solar Resource
Good
NC
Typical System
8kW
residential
Payback
~13.2 yrs
estimated
Solar Incentives & Tax Credits in North Carolina
North Carolina homeowners can take advantage of the following solar incentive programs:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit via Section 48E for qualifying projects (leases, PPAs, commercial) that began construction before July 4, 2026. The residential ownership credit (25D) expired December 31, 2025. Phase-out deadline: December 31, 2027 for placed-in-service.
30% of system cost
Solar Property Tax Exemption (80%)
Solar energy systems are exempt from 80% of property tax on the added value (NC Gen Statute 105-275.45).
80% property tax exempt
Duke Energy PowerPair
Duke Energy's PowerPair program replaced the former solar-only per-watt rebate: $0.36/W-AC for solar (up to 10 kW AC, max $3,600) plus $400/kWh for paired battery (up to 13.5 kWh, max $5,400), total up to $9,000. Requires a paired solar + battery system. Availability (July 2026): Duke Energy Progress (eastern NC — Raleigh, Triangle) reached capacity and closed to new applications in November 2025; Duke Energy Carolinas (western NC — Charlotte, Triad) has limited remaining capacity with Cohort B waitlisted since April 2026. Verify current status on Duke Energy's official PowerPair page before applying.
Up to $9,000 total
North Carolina SREC Market
North Carolina has a limited SREC market with values around $5/SREC.
~$35/year (SREC)
Net Metering in North Carolina
North Carolina requires net metering at the full retail rate under NCUC rules (primarily Duke Energy territories), with a transition to time-of-use rates for new customers.
✓ North Carolina offers a property tax exemption for solar installations, meaning your property taxes won't increase despite the added home value.
Compare Financing Options in North Carolina
See how cash purchase, solar loan, lease, and PPA compare based on North Carolina's average rates:
Solar Financing Comparison for North Carolina
Based on 16.25¢/kWh electricity rate and a 8kW system
Cash Purchase
Pay upfront — maximum long-term savings
- Upfront Cost
- $24,000
- Monthly Savings
- $152/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- Expired
Solar Loan
$0 down — own the system over time
- Down Payment
- $0
- Monthly Payment
- $235/mo
- Net Monthly
- $-83/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- Expired
Solar Lease
$0 down — provider owns the system
- Down Payment
- $0
- Monthly Payment
- $104/mo
- Net Monthly
- $48/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- No
Power Purchase Agreement
$0 down — pay per kWh produced
- Down Payment
- $0
- Annual Savings
- $1,204/yr
- Tax Credit Eligible
- No
⚠ The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (48E/ITC) expired July 4, 2026.
Selecting 30% ITC assumes you began construction before this deadline. Most new purchases no longer qualify.Learn about your options after the deadline →
Estimates based on average North Carolina (NC) rates and system costs. For a personalized comparison,use our full financing calculator.
Lease vs. Buy vs. PPA in North Carolina
Buying (Cash or Loan)
Best for: Maximizing long-term savings and home value.
- You own the system and all electricity it generates
- The 30% federal tax credit expired July 2026 (post-48E residual only — see warning below)
- Property tax exempt in North Carolina
- Increases home value by an average of 4.1%
- Highest 25-year savings: ~$21,500
- You handle maintenance (panels need little)
Solar Lease
Best for: Zero upfront cost with predictable payments.
- $0 or low upfront cost
- Fixed monthly payment (no surprise bills)
- Maintenance and repairs typically covered
- Not eligible for tax credits or incentives
- Lower 25-year savings (~$14,300)
- May complicate home sale (lease transfer)
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Best for: Paying only for what you produce, $0 down.
- $0 upfront cost
- Pay a per-kWh rate (typically lower than utility)
- Provider owns and maintains the system
- Not eligible for tax credits
- Rate escalates 2-3% annually (read the contract)
- Lowest 25-year savings of the three options
Solar Financing FAQ — North Carolina
Is solar worth it in North Carolina?
Yes, solar is a worthwhile investment in North Carolina. With moderate electricity rates averaging 16.25¢/kWh and good solar resources, a typical 8kW system can offset most of your household electricity usage. The estimated payback period is 9-11 years, after which you enjoy more than a decade of largely free electricity. north carolina requires net metering at the full retail rate under ncuc rules (primarily duke energy territories), with a transition to time-of-use rates for new customers is the main policy factor to verify with your utility.
What solar incentives are available in North Carolina?
North Carolina residents can claim the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (worth $7,200 on a typical 8kW system). The state also offers Solar Property Tax Exemption (80%), Duke Energy PowerPair, North Carolina SREC Market. North Carolina offers a property tax exemption, so your property taxes won't rise despite the added home value.
Should I lease, buy, or get a PPA in North Carolina?
Buying your solar system (cash or loan) maximizes long-term savings and qualifies you for the 30% Federal Tax Credit. On a typical 8kW system in North Carolina, that's about $7,200 back. Buying yields roughly $28,700 in net savings over 25 years. Leasing or a PPA requires $0 down and includes maintenance, but you won't get tax credits and your 25-year savings will be much lower (around $14,300). If you can afford the upfront cost or qualify for a low-rate loan, buying is the clear winner in North Carolina.
How much does a solar system cost in North Carolina?
A typical 8kW residential solar system in North Carolina costs approximately $24,000 before incentives. After the 30% Federal Tax Credit (~$7,200), the net cost drops to about $16,800. Actual costs vary based on equipment quality, installer, roof complexity, and whether you add battery storage. North Carolina offers a property tax exemption, so your property taxes won't rise despite the added home value.
Does North Carolina have net metering?
North Carolina requires net metering at the full retail rate under NCUC rules (primarily Duke Energy territories), with a transition to time-of-use rates for new customers.
What is the solar payback period in North Carolina?
The typical solar payback period in North Carolina is approximately 9-11 years. With a net system cost of about $16,800 after the federal tax credit and annual electricity savings of roughly $1,638-$2,002 (based on 16.25¢/kWh), most North Carolina homeowners see full payback within 11 years and enjoy 14+ years of largely free electricity thereafter.
Related Solar Tools
Estimates are based on North Carolina average rates and system costs. The 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit expired July 4, 2026 for new residential installations. Actual savings vary by installer, equipment, roof, and utility policy.