Solar by state › North Carolina

Home solar in North Carolina

Duke Energy's simpler Net Metering Bridge Rate for new home solar is closing (sources say late 2026 or October 1, 2027); after that, new customers must use the time-of-use Residential Solar Choice rate.

Facts checked 2026-11-01, each with a source link below. Programs change often: confirm with your utility, installer and a tax professional before you sign.

14.9¢average home price per kWh (EIA, August 2026)

Solar can workPower is cheap here (about 15 cents/kWh), there is no state tax credit, and Duke's new rates pay less for exports. An 80% property tax break and HOA protections help, and batteries can improve the math on time-of-use rates.

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Net metering Replaced by a lower credit

Duke Energy's old net metering closed to new home customers on October 1, 2023. New customers choose Residential Solar Choice (required time-of-use rates, minimum bill, non-bypassable charge, exports paid at avoided cost) or the Net Metering Bridge Rate (no time-of-use requirement, minimum bill, non-bypassable charge; you can stay on it 15 years from your interconnection request). The Bridge Rate has a yearly capacity limit and closes to new applicants soon. Source

2023-03-23: NC Utilities Commission order in Docket E-100, Sub 180 approves new Duke solar rates
2023-10-01: legacy net metering closes to new residential customers
2026-12-31 or 2027-10-01: Bridge Rate closes to new applicants (sources conflict)
2027: legacy residential net metering customers move to the Bridge Rate (2027-01-01 or 2027-10-01, sources conflict)

Solar credits (SRECs) No market

North Carolina has no SREC market for homes. On Duke's new rates you keep your solar credits (RECs), but there is little market for them. Source

Rebates and incentives

Duke Energy PowerPair (solar + battery rebate)

Not confirmed

Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress home customers installing solar with a battery

closed rebate Source

Taxes

Property tax: partial - 80% of the appraised value of a solar electric system is excluded from property tax (G.S. 105-275(45))
Sales tax: none - no sales tax exemption for home solar found Source

Solar laws

G.S. 22B-20 - solar collectors on homes (2007). Deed restrictions and HOA rules may not ban solar on homes. They may control location or screening if reasonable use is kept, and may ban panels visible from the ground on the side facing a street or common area. Does not cover multi-story condos. Source
G.S. 105-275(45) - solar property tax exclusion (2008). 80% of a solar electric system's appraised value is excluded from property tax. Source
G.S. 62-126.4 (HB 589, 2017) - net metering rates (2017). Let utilities propose new net metering rates; led to Duke's 2023 Residential Solar Choice and Bridge Rate. Source

Community solar

Limited: only small utility-run shared solar programs exist; there is no broad community solar law.

Timeline

2007 HOA solar law G.S. 22B-20 enacted
2017 HB 589 lets utilities redesign net metering
2023-03-23 NCUC approves Duke's new solar rates (E-100, Sub 180)
2023-10-01 Legacy net metering closes to new home customers; RSC and Bridge Rate start
2026-01-01 Federal 25D home solar tax credit no longer available for new systems
2026-12-31 Bridge Rate may close to new applicants (installer sources; NCSEA says 2027-10-01)
2027-10-01 Latest reported close of Bridge Rate to new customers; legacy home customers move to Bridge Rate

Federal tax credits

The 30% federal tax credit for homeowners who buy solar (Section 25D) ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025, so buying no longer earns a federal credit. If you lease or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA), the panels belong to a company that may still claim a business credit under federal deadlines that tighten through 2027. Ask your installer whether that savings is in your price.

Sources

Last checked 2026-11-01. Incentives are not guaranteed and can change or run out. Confirm every figure with your utility, installer and a tax professional before you sign. This page is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice.

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