
Raleigh, North Carolina goes solar with SunPower®
The City of Oaks: Harnessing solar energy like its namesake
The state of solar in Raleigh
With a strong net metering program, generous tax incentives, and plenty of sunlight, Raleigh, NC, is one of the best cities for saving money by going solar. Raleigh is rapidly cementing its place as one of the most solar-powered cities in the country, thanks in part to government-driven incentives that further cut prices for homeowners who are ready to switch to clean solar energy.*SEIA, "Top 10 Solar States." State ranking based on amount of solar electric capacity installed through Q3 2020. https://www.seia.org/research-resources/top-10-solar-states-0
How much solar energy does Raleigh produce?
According to the U.S. Energy Information Association, solar energy accounted for 6% of N.C.'s total energy generation in 2019. A year later, N.C. was the third most-solar-powered state in the nation after California and Texas, having generated around 6,487 megawatts by Q3 of 2020.*SEIA, "Top 10 Solar States." State ranking based on the amount of solar electric capacity installed through Q3 2020. https://www.seia.org/research-resources/top-10-solar-states-0 The city of Raleigh produces 23.5 watts of solar capacity per person, making the city 40th in the nation in photovoltaic (P.V.) solar installed per capita.
What are the advantages of going solar in Raleigh?
One of the most notable advantages of switching to solar is saving money. With a solar system, you can use the solar energy generated by your solar panels while the sun is shining, instead of paying for electricity provided by the grid and your electric utility company. And if you produce more energy than you need, you may be able to sell that excess energy back to your utility provider—a process known as net metering.*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Your solar salesperson or installer can help you determine if you qualify. You can also visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.
And if you add a backup storage battery to your solar system, you can store solar energy produced by your panels as well as choose to power your home in the evenings or power certain appliances and devices during a grid outage. Solar systems paired with battery storage may also allow you to avoid high electric prices that some utility companies charge at peak usage times. Please remember that although battery storage can help provide safety and comfort during a power outage, you should not rely on them to power critical medical devices.
In addition, federal tax credits may offset up to 26% of your total installation cost if you purchase your system and meet eligibility requirements.*Tax credits subject to change. 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.
Since solar energy systems do not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases, going solar can also help protect your community if it replaces or reduces other, polluting energy sources. By switching to clean energy, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment.
How much does solar cost in Raleigh?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:
Quality of the solar system's panels and parts
Household's energy needs
Angle of the roof
Shaded roof space
Local weather
To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020, for thousands of homeowners across the country.
In Raleigh, we found that the cost of purchasing a 5 KW system solar ranges from $12,000 to $20,850, or in other words from $2.40 to $4.17 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.
Ranked third in the nation for clean energy,*SEIA, "Top 10 Solar States." State ranking based on amount of solar electric capacity installed through Q3 2020. https://www.seia.org/research-resources/top-10-solar-states-0 North Carolina and its power companies provide its citizens with generous solar incentives, such as Duke Energy's Solar Rebate Program. The NC State Extension service has a centralized resource website about state and local incentive programs, and many localities and counties offer financing programs to provide loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency installations.*https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/3649, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/01/f6/nc_market_snapshot_fi...
What's the best way to get solar for your home in Raleigh?
Going solar is different for every homeowner, as every house can host a custom solar panel array. That said, SunPower is your one-stop shop for best-in-class solar systems. Our team and local installers can work with you to assess your roof's readiness for solar, show how much we'll reduce your monthly electric bill, and create a price quote based on your roof type, the amount of sunlight it receives daily, and your energy needs.
SunPower offers easy and free solar solution consultations, so you can get a custom assessment for your home. One of our solar experts will provide a personalized solar system recommendation that best meets your specific goals, budget, and home.
Get started now by requesting your consultation. We’ll follow-up with a quick call to schedule a time. You’re also welcome to call us directly at 1-385-489-5552.
Start saving with solar! Schedule your online appointment with SunPower.