Solar power in Charlotte, North Carolina
Duke Energy provide net metering to their Charlotte customers.
Duke also provide a $600/kW limited availability rebate for solar systems up to 10kW in size (see an installer for details).
After claiming utility incentives, as of 2020 a total of 26% of the remaining costs can be claimed as a deduction to federal taxes, this incentive can be used in increments.
With 50% of costs covered and ongoing net metering credit there has never been a better time to go solar. Don't wait for these incentives to expire, get a free estimate by entering your zip code into our calculator.
Net Metering Broken Down
Each kWh of exported energy is valued at the retail rate. When more energy is sent to the grid than drawn within the month credit is carried over to future bills. Sadly, remaining kWh at the end of the billing year expire without compensation.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Charlotte,
North Carolina in 2025 is
$2.58 per watt. The average system size
in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system
in Charlotte, NC
is $12,900.
(after claiming 26% tax credit and other rebates)
The 26% federal solar tax credit explained
If you have a federal income tax liability, 26% of the cost of your solar system can be claimed as a deduction to your taxes. This incentive is claimed when you do your taxes. In order to receive the tax credit quicker it's best to do your taxes as soon as possible after installation.
What if my tax liability is less than 26% of my systems costThere is the option to claim this incentive over several years if your tax liability is less than 26% of the system cost.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking the greater your power usage the greater the potential savings from installing solar.
The average monthly usage in North Carolina is only 1101kWh per month however, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes condos and small apartments.
The Charlotte solar panel savings calculator below will convert your monthly power spend into power usage (in kWh's) and then work out exactly how many solar panels you need to offset your usage, how much they will cost based on the prices of local solar companies and the amount you will save. Our North Carolina solar savings calculator can do this because it contains a database of the electric rates charged by City of Cornelius, Duke Energy Carolinas LLC, EnergyUnited Elec Member Corp, Town of Huntersville, Town of Pineville, Union Electric Membership Corp
How much can solar panels save you in Charlotte
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 11.03kW solar system in Charlotte, NC
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $168, however your situation may vary so try our Charlotte solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$19,589
Net cost of system
8 Years 2 Months
Average payback time
14,097 kWh
Annual power production
6¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
25¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 11.03kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$61,373
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
10
Solar companies in Charlotte, NC that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Charlotte
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,016 | $6,497 |
| 4kw | $7,903 | $8,535 |
| 5kw | $9,694 | $10,470 |
| 6kw | $11,455 | $12,372 |
| 7kw | $13,105 | $14,154 |
| 8kw | $14,741 | $15,920 |
| 9kw | $16,250 | $17,550 |
| 10kw | $17,760 | $19,181 |
Find out what system size you need for your home
Going solar in North Carolina
Check out all of the ways energy providers of North Carolina can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems | State | Property Tax Incentive |
| Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
| Duke Energy Solar Rebate Program (Expired) | Utility | Rebate Program |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
