Go Solar North Carolina

North Carolina Goes Solar with SunPower^®

Solar savings shine bright in North Carolina

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The state of solar power in North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the country's most solar-friendly states. In terms of generating capacity, it ranks second overall—at present, there is enough solar energy in the state to power over 600,000 homes.

With the cost of solar power dropping over 30 percent in North Carolina over the past five years, there's never been a better time to upgrade your source of electricity.

How much solar power does North Carolina produce?

Considering North Carolina has more solar energy installations than all but one state, it comes as no surprise that it produces a considerable amount of solar power. In 2018, the state exhibited over 4,100 megawatts in generating capacity. Over 5 percent of the state's current electricity supply comes from solar energy.

North Carolina managed to produce 7.2 million megawatt-hours of solar in 2018. This was an over 35 percent increase on the previous year's output.

While the majority of solar power generation in North Carolina comes from commercial operations, residential installations have dramatically increased over the past three years. This growth has been fueled by a reduction in the price of solar and numerous government incentives.

Is solar power generation feasible in North Carolina?

North Carolina goes solar with SunPower panels

The suitability of solar power in North Carolina is reflected in the substantial commercial and residential investment in this form of renewable energy. As one of the nation's largest producers of solar power, it's clear that North Carolina is the perfect place for a new solar system.

In terms of sun exposure, the state experiences above-average sunlight, with all major cities receiving an average of over 200 sunny days per year.

Net metering in North Carolina also allows you to send your solar energy to the grid when you have an oversupply. This means that you'll be able to generate energy credits to use on cloudy days or throughout the night.

How much does solar cost in North Carolina?

The cost of solar energy is typically calculated on a per-watt basis. While prices can vary depending on your manufacturer and installation team, you can attain rough estimates if you decide how large of a system you want to purchase.

It's essential to keep in mind that you can also take advantage of a 26 percent federal tax credit combined with local government incentives.*

*. Incentives, rebates, and tax credits vary and are subject to change. SunPower does not warrant, guarantee or otherwise advise its customers about specific tax outcomes. Consult your tax advisor regarding the solar tax credit and how it applies to your specific circumstances. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

What legal considerations affect solar power in North Carolina?

Different states have separate legal considerations for solar power. Fortunately, North Carolina is extremely friendly towards solar energy—several incentives are in place to increase the number of installations.

The Duke Energy program offers a rebate when you install a new system. You can receive up to $0.60/W-AC and a maximum of $6,000 in total.* This discount can significantly offset the cost of installing a new solar system.

Additionally, there is a federal solar tax credit program to help individuals access solar power. While this tax credit has traditionally been 30 percent of the cost of the system, it has reduced to 26 percent for 2020. It will continue to decrease until it expires at the end of 2022—the sooner you install solar, the more you can save.*

For those who want to take advantage of net metering, North Carolina is one of 37 states that requires utility companies to accept your solar power to the grid in exchange for energy credits. This is an excellent way to save energy for unfavorable conditions without a battery bank.

North Carolina is also known for being a friendly state for solar power investment. A long-term tax credit for solar power investors has been integral in increasing renewable energy in the state.

*. Incentives, rebates, and tax credits vary and are subject to change. SunPower does not warrant, guarantee or otherwise advise its customers about specific tax outcomes. Consult your tax advisor regarding the solar tax credit and how it applies to your specific circumstances. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.
*. Incentives, rebates, and tax credits vary and are subject to change. SunPower does not warrant, guarantee or otherwise advise its customers about specific tax outcomes. Consult your tax advisor regarding the solar tax credit and how it applies to your specific circumstances. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

How can I start using solar in North Carolina?

Upgrading to solar power in North Carolina has never been easier. At SunPower, we partner with North Carolina property owners to help them access the world's most advanced solar technology. If you would like to discuss converting your home's power source to solar energy, contact us today to discuss your options.