North CarolinaSolar Panel Costs & Savings
North Carolina averages 4.6 hrs of peak sun per day with an average payback period of 9.8 years. Homeowners can save $31,400 over 20 years.
Peak Sun Hours
4.6 hrs
per day
6kW System Cost
$17,100
before incentives
Payback Period
9.8 yrs
average
20-Year Savings
$31,400
estimated
Solar Cost Breakdown in North Carolina
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 6kW System Cost ($2.85/W) | $17,100 |
| Federal Tax Credit (30%) | -$5,130 |
| Net Cost | $11,970 |
Net Metering
Full Net Metering
Electricity Rate
14.09¢/kWh
Avg Monthly Bill
$139/mo
Solar Incentives in North Carolina
Duke Energy NC Solar Rebate
Duke Energy offers per-watt rebates for residential solar systems in North Carolina.
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The federal ITC allows homeowners to deduct 30% of solar installation costs from federal taxes. Available for systems installed through 2032, stepping down to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.
Solar Potential by ZIP Code in North Carolina
| ZIP | City | Sun Hours | Annual Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28401 | Wilmington | 4.8 hrs | $1,217 | 9.9 yrs |
| 27501 | Sanford | 4.7 hrs | $1,192 | 10.1 yrs |
| 28001 | Albemarle | 4.7 hrs | $1,192 | 10.1 yrs |
| 28201 | Charlotte | 4.7 hrs | $1,192 | 10.1 yrs |
| 27801 | Rocky Mount | 4.7 hrs | $1,192 | 10.1 yrs |
| 27901 | Elizabeth City | 4.7 hrs | $1,192 | 10.1 yrs |
| 28301 | Fayetteville | 4.7 hrs | $1,192 | 10.1 yrs |
| 28501 | Kinston | 4.7 hrs | $1,192 | 10.1 yrs |
| 27101 | Winston-Salem | 4.6 hrs | $1,166 | 10.3 yrs |
| 27201 | Chapel Hill | 4.6 hrs | $1,166 | 10.3 yrs |
| 27401 | Greensboro | 4.6 hrs | $1,166 | 10.3 yrs |
| 27601 | Raleigh | 4.6 hrs | $1,166 | 10.3 yrs |
| 27701 | Durham | 4.6 hrs | $1,166 | 10.3 yrs |
| 28601 | Hickory | 4.5 hrs | $1,141 | 10.4 yrs |
| 28801 | Asheville | 4.4 hrs | $1,116 | 10.8 yrs |
Compare With Other States
More Data for North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in North Carolina?
A typical 6kW solar system in North Carolina costs approximately $17,100 before incentives. After the 30% federal tax credit ($5,130), the net cost is approximately $11,970.
How long does solar take to pay for itself in North Carolina?
The average solar payback period in North Carolina is 9.8 years, slower than the national average of 9.4 years. After payback, homeowners enjoy free electricity for the remaining system life.
Does North Carolina have net metering?
North Carolina has full net metering. Homeowners receive full retail rate credits for excess solar energy sent to the grid.
How much sun does North Carolina get for solar?
North Carolina averages 4.6 peak sun hours per day, which is 0.1 hours above the national average. A 6kW system produces approximately 10,074 kWh per year.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: NREL, DSIRE, EIA