Solar by State / North Carolina
Data last verified: August 2026Is Solar Worth It in North Carolina in 2026?
The honest answer depends on four numbers that are unique to North Carolina: your electricity rate, your solar production, your net metering policy, and your state incentives. Here are the real figures, with sources and dates.
North Carolina Solar Snapshot (2026)
| Residential electricity rate | 14.9¢/kWh (EIA, 2026 YTD May) |
| Solar production | ~1400 kWh per kW installed per year (NREL PVWatts v8) |
| Net metering | Full retail 1:1 |
| State tax credit | None in 2026 |
| Rebates / performance | None |
| SREC market | No active SREC market |
| Property tax exemption | Yes |
| Sales tax exemption | Yes |
Estimate Your Own Payback in North Carolina
The table above is a 6 kW benchmark. Your home is different — use the Solar ROI Calculator with North Carolina pre-loaded to get your exact payback, or the 30-second worth-it quiz for a go/no-go verdict.
North Carolina FAQ
Does North Carolina have a solar tax credit in 2026?
North Carolina does not offer a state income tax credit for residential solar in 2026. The federal residential credit (Section 25D) expired Dec 31, 2025 and does not apply to 2026 installations.
What is net metering like in North Carolina?
North Carolina uses full retail net metering. This means every exported kWh is credited at your retail rate — the most favorable setup for solar.
Is solar worth it in North Carolina after the federal credit ended?
At a typical 2.75/W installed cost and 14.9¢/kWh electricity, a 6 kW system in North Carolina has an estimated payback of about 12.5 years (rank #23 of 51 states). That is in the middle of the pack — workable for long-term owners.
Compare North Carolina with Another State
See how North Carolina stacks up against Kansas — or use the state comparison tool for a side-by-side of any two or three states.
Popular guides
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