Full Retail

Net Metering in North Carolina

Current NEM policy, export rates, and impact on solar payback for North Carolina homeowners.

NEM Export Rate

$0.151

per kWh

Avg Retail Rate

$0.151

per kWh

% of Retail

100%

compensation

Policy Status

Active

since 2015-01

System Limit

Up to 1 MW

max eligible

NEM Policy Details — North Carolina

How North Carolina compensates your excess solar generation

Full RetailActive

Full retail net metering maintained under HB 589. Duke Energy offers standard NEM but its Net Metering Bridge Rate permanently closes to new applicants on December 31, 2026 (per NCUC ruling). Homeowners must submit interconnection requests before this deadline to lock in the more favorable bridge rate rather than transitioning to a lower future export structure. Systems up to 1 MW eligible. Monthly netting.

NEM Rate$0.151/kWh
Retail Rate$0.151/kWh
Savings GapNone
Annual True-UpYes

Source: North Carolina UC, HB 589 · Effective: 2015-01

Calculate Your NEM Savings in North Carolina

$

NEM Rate Comparison

$0.00North Carolina: $0.151$0.151 (retail)

North Carolina's NEM rate is 100% of the retail electricity rate — near full retail compensation.

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Written & reviewed by

Jeremy Wolfe — Senior Solar Energy Analyst

Jeremy Wolfe is a solar energy analyst specializing in residential photovoltaic economics, federal and state incentive policy, and return-on-investment modeling for homeowners. He leads EnergyTools' solar research program and methodology.

  • 10+ years analyzing residential solar economics and payback modeling
  • Lead researcher for EnergyTools' 50-state solar cost-per-watt database
  • Author of 100+ solar ROI, payback, and incentive analyses

Methodology & data sources:NREL PVWatts, EPA FuelEconomy.gov, state utility commissions— updated 2026.