Contemporary home with rooftop solar system in Winston Salem, North Carolina - Solar Incentives

Solar Incentives in Winston Salem, NC

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

TL;DR

Winston Salem homeowners can stack the 30% federal tax credit with North Carolina programs to cut solar costs.

Winston Salem homeowners qualify for the 30% federal solar tax credit (ITC) on total system cost.
North Carolina offers net metering, crediting Winston Salem homeowners for surplus solar sent to the grid.
North Carolina adds 2 state-level incentives on top of the federal credit.
Incentives stack — combine the federal ITC with local and utility programs.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

30% of total system cost

Winston Salem 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 Winston Salem, NC.

What solar incentives can Winston Salem homeowners get?

Duke Energy Solar Rebate

Rebate

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

Value

$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.

Value

80% property tax exemption on solar value

How does net metering work in Winston Salem, NC?

Available

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

What are SRECs in Winston Salem?

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 Winston Salem

Property Tax Exemption

Solar systems in Winston Salem are exempt from property tax assessment increases

Sales Tax Exemption

No sales tax exemption for solar equipment

How to Claim Solar Incentives in Winston Salem

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

Solar panels generating clean energy under blue sky in Winston Salem, North Carolina - Solar Incentives

Frequently asked

Solar Incentives FAQ - Winston Salem, NC

Winston Salem 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 Winston Salem 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, Winston Salem 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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