Solar Panels in North Carolina: Cost, Savings & Incentives (2026)
A 9kW solar system in North Carolina costs around $18,900 after the 30% federal tax credit and saves approximately $1,749 per year on electricity at the state's average rate of 12.8¢/kWh. With 5.2 peak sun hours per day, your estimated payback period is 10 years — leaving 15+ years of profit before the 25-year warranty period ends. Below: real cost data, all available incentives and a free personalised calculator.
Is solar worth it in North Carolina in 2026?
With an average electricity rate of 12.8¢ per kWh and 5.2 peak sun hours per day, North Carolina homeowners are in an excellent position to benefit from solar panels. A typical 9kW system will produce around 13,665 kWh per year — enough to offset a significant portion of a typical North Carolina home's electricity usage.
At current electricity rates, that production saves approximately $1,749 per year. Over 25 years — the standard panel warranty period — the projected net profit after recouping the system cost is around $24,825.
How much do solar panels cost in North Carolina?
A 9kW solar system — typical for a North Carolina home — costs approximately $27,000 before incentives (national average: ~$3,000 per kW installed).
| Cost item | Amount |
|---|---|
| System cost (9kW) | $27,000 |
| Federal 30% ITC | −$8,100 |
| North Carolina eliminated its state solar tax credit in 2015. Despite this, North Carolina consistently ranks among the top US states for solar installations due to competitive installer pricing and strong utility-scale solar development. Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolinas offer net metering programs. | Additional savings |
| Net cost (after federal ITC) | $18,900 |
Actual costs vary by installer. Always get at least 3 quotes. Installer labour, roof type and system complexity affect final pricing.
Solar incentives in North Carolina (2026)
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) — 30%
All US homeowners qualify for the 30% federal ITC through 2032. On a $27,000 system, this is a $8,100 tax credit — a direct reduction in federal taxes owed (not a deduction from taxable income).
North Carolina state incentives
North Carolina eliminated its state solar tax credit in 2015. Despite this, North Carolina consistently ranks among the top US states for solar installations due to competitive installer pricing and strong utility-scale solar development. Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolinas offer net metering programs.
Use our Solar Tax Credit Calculator to calculate your exact federal and state incentive amounts based on your system cost.
Solar payback period in North Carolina
Based on a net system cost of $18,900 and estimated annual savings of $1,749, the estimated payback period for solar panels in North Carolina is approximately 10 years.
After payback, your solar panels continue to produce free electricity for another 15+ years. Use our Solar Payback Calculator to customise this for your specific electricity bill and system size.
What affects solar savings in North Carolina?
Every homeowner's solar savings are different. In North Carolina, the key variables are:
- Electricity rate (12.8¢/kWh): North Carolina's electricity rate is near the national average. Combined with sun hours and system size, this gives a typical homeowner a solid case for solar investment.
- Peak sun hours (5.2 hrs/day): North Carolina's solar resource is solid — comparable to Germany, which has one of the highest solar adoption rates in the world. Year-round production will be consistent.
- System size (9kW typical): The right size depends on your electricity bill. A $150/month bill typically requires a 6–8kW system to offset 80–100%. Use our System Size Calculator to find your exact target.
- Roof type and orientation: South-facing roofs at 30° pitch are ideal. West-facing roofs produce 15–20% less but may generate more electricity during peak-price afternoon hours, improving time-of-use savings.
Frequently asked questions — solar in North Carolina
Our calculators are pre-loaded with North Carolina's electricity rate (12.8¢/kWh) and sun hours (5.2 hrs/day).