Solar Incentives in North Carolina (2026)
The 30% federal tax credit for purchased home solar ended Dec 31, 2025. Here's exactly what solar incentives are left in North Carolina in 2026 — and how much they're worth.
| State tax credit | None (state credit expired) |
|---|---|
| SREC market | No |
| Net metering | Net billing (below-retail export credit) — see North Carolina net metering → |
| Other incentives | North Carolina's state credit ended in 2015; Duke Energy offers periodic solar rebates and an 80% property-tax exemption on added value. |
Incentive details reflect programs active in 2026. Programs change and often have caps or waitlists — always confirm current status on DSIRE and with your installer.
Federal credit status (2026): the 30% residential clean-energy credit (Section 25D) was repealed for systems purchased and placed in service after Dec 31, 2025 — cash and financed buyers can no longer claim it. A leased or PPA system can still access the commercial credit (Section 48E), which its owner can claim through 2027 and may pass on as a lower price. That makes North Carolina's state and utility incentives, not the federal credit, the main lever on your 2026 payback.
How much can you actually save in North Carolina?
A typical 8 kW install in North Carolina costs about $20,400 before incentives. North Carolina has no state income-tax credit, so your savings come from net billing (below-retail export credit), and the specifics below: North Carolina's state credit ended in 2015; Duke Energy offers periodic solar rebates and an 80% property-tax exemption on added value. With the 30% federal credit gone for purchases, these state and utility programs — plus your avoided electricity cost at ~16¢/kWh — are what now determine payback.
See full solar costs & payback for North Carolina
Solar panel cost in North Carolina →North Carolina solar incentives FAQ
Does North Carolina have a solar tax credit?
No. North Carolina has no state solar income-tax credit in 2026. North Carolina's state credit ended in 2015; Duke Energy offers periodic solar rebates and an 80% property-tax exemption on added value.
Does North Carolina have an SREC market?
No. North Carolina does not have an active SREC market, so there are no tradable solar certificates to sell here. Your return comes from net billing (below-retail export credit), any state or utility incentives, and avoided electricity costs.
Can I still get the 30% federal solar tax credit in North Carolina?
Not if you buy the system. The federal residential (25D) credit was repealed for purchases placed in service after Dec 31, 2025. A leased or PPA system can still tap the commercial (48E) credit its owner claims through 2027, which may show up as a lower rate — but you won't file for 30% yourself on a cash or financed purchase.
What incentives are left in North Carolina in 2026?
net billing (below-retail export credit), and: North Carolina's state credit ended in 2015; Duke Energy offers periodic solar rebates and an 80% property-tax exemption on added value. Always confirm current program status on DSIRE before signing.