North Carolina solar incentives (2026)

Here's what can lower the cost of solar in North Carolina now that the 30% federal purchase credit has ended. Statewide: Net metering with time-of-use bridge rates.

State incentive (est.)
—
Federal credit (purchase)
Ended 2025
Via lease/PPA
~$7,476

Incentives that apply in North Carolina

Federal (2026 update)

The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. If you buy with cash or a loan in 2026, there's no federal credit. A lease or PPA can still capture a 30% commercial credit — worth roughly $7,476 on a typical North Carolina system — which the provider passes on through lower payments. More in our federal tax credit guide.

State & local

In North Carolina: Net metering with time-of-use bridge rates.

Net metering

How your utility credits exported solar is effectively an incentive too — and often worth more over time than a one-off rebate. See North Carolina net metering.

How to find everything you qualify for

  • Search the DSIRE database by your ZIP code.
  • Ask your utility about rebates and export rates.
  • Have installers itemize every incentive in their quote.

Compare real solar quotes in North Carolina

See actual prices from vetted local installers — including lease and PPA options that still capture the 30% credit in 2026. Free, no obligation.

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North Carolina solar incentives: FAQ

What solar incentives does North Carolina offer in 2026?
Net metering with time-of-use bridge rates. The 30% federal tax credit ended for purchases on Dec 31, 2025, though a lease or PPA can still pass a 30% credit through.
Can I still get the federal tax credit in North Carolina?
Not on a cash or loan purchase — that ended nationwide after 2025. A lease or PPA in North Carolina can still capture a 30% commercial credit (worth about $7,476 on a typical system) that the provider passes on through lower payments.
How do I find every solar incentive in North Carolina?
Start here, then search the DSIRE database by your ZIP code, ask your utility about rebates and export rates, and have any installer itemize each incentive in their quote so you can verify it.
North Carolina solar cost →North Carolina net metering →All states →