Solar incentives and tax credits available in Raleigh, NC

Solar Incentives in Raleigh, NC

Complete guide to solar tax credits, rebates, and incentive programs available to Raleigh homeowners in 2026.

%

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

30% of total system cost

Raleigh homeowners can deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal taxes. This applies to all qualified solar installations in Raleigh, NC.

North Carolina State Solar Incentives for Raleigh Homeowners

Duke Energy Solar Rebate

Rebate

Duke Energy offers rebates for residential solar installations in their North Carolina service territory.

$0.40-$0.60/W based on available funding

Property Tax Exemption

Property Tax

North Carolina exempts 80% of the value of solar energy systems from property taxes.

80% property tax exemption on solar value

Net Metering in Raleigh, NC

Available

North Carolina requires Duke Energy and other investor-owned utilities to offer net metering for residential solar systems up to 25 kW.

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) in Raleigh

Not Available

North Carolina does not have a traditional SREC market. The state's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard drives utility-scale solar more than residential.

Tax Exemptions in Raleigh

Property Tax Exemption
Solar systems in Raleigh are exempt from property tax assessment increases
Sales Tax Exemption
No sales tax exemption for solar equipment

How to Claim Solar Incentives in Raleigh

  1. Install your solar system: Work with a qualified Raleigh solar installer to design and install your system.
  2. Claim the federal ITC: File IRS Form 5695 with your federal tax return to claim the 30% tax credit.
  3. Apply for state programs: Contact your North Carolina energy office or local Raleigh utility to apply for available incentives.
  4. Set up net metering: Contact your utility in Raleigh to set up net metering and start earning credits.
  5. Keep records: Save all receipts, contracts, and permits for tax filing and warranty purposes.

Solar Incentives FAQ - Raleigh, NC

Raleigh homeowners can take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit, plus 2 state-level incentive programs, net metering. These incentives can reduce your total solar cost by 30-50%.

The 30% federal tax credit alone can save Raleigh homeowners approximately $5.0k on a typical system. Combined with North Carolina state programs, total savings over 25 years can reach $30k or more.

North Carolina requires Duke Energy and other investor-owned utilities to offer net metering for residential solar systems up to 25 kW.

To claim the 30% federal ITC, Raleigh homeowners need to file IRS Form 5695 with their annual tax return. The credit applies to the full cost of your solar system including equipment and installation. You must own the system (not lease it) to claim the credit.

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30%Federal Tax Credit
25+Year Savings
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