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North Carolina · Checked August 2026
North Carolina solar incentives in 2026
What North Carolina actually offers a homeowner this year, with the programs that no longer exist named as such.
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The question everyone asks first
Is there a North Carolina state solar tax credit?
None. North Carolina eliminated its residential renewable energy tax credit in 2016. This is the most common misconception in the state, and some sales representatives still imply one exists. It does not.
The residential federal tax credit (25D) ended for systems purchased after December 31, 2025.
You will still see ads promising a 30% credit that “ends December 31.” Read the date on them. If you buy a system today as a homeowner, you cannot claim that credit. What remains under 48E applies to the owner of the system — which, under a PPA, is us. SolarAmerica does not provide tax advice; talk to your tax professional about your situation.
What actually exists
North Carolina solar incentives in 2026
Property tax exclusion
100% of the added value of a residential solar system is excluded from property tax under North Carolina General Statute 105-275(45). Permanent, in effect since 2008.
Duke PowerPair
Duke Energy's solar-plus-storage program, reported at up to $9,000 for qualifying customers depending on equipment and program requirements. Capacity-limited. Duke permits PowerPair participants to take service under either export structure below.
What does the work here
With no state credit and no federal residential credit, North Carolina economics rest on the export structure you land on and on Duke's retail rate. Which structure you get is the single biggest variable in the whole calculation.
If you use a lease or a PPA
Third-party ownership rules in North Carolina are narrower than in the Northeast. Ask any company offering you a $0-down structure to state plainly which product it is and who owns the system.
Verify before you rely on any of this.
State and utility programs change on their own schedules, blocks fill, and capacity caps close things early. Everything here was checked in August 2026 and is dated for that reason. Confirm the current terms with your utility or your state commission before you make a financial decision, and treat any company quoting you a hard expiry date as a closing device until they show you the filing.
Who you would be working with
SolarAmerica
We design your system and manage the project; installation is performed by vetted licensed partners in your area. SolarAmerica is not itself the installing contractor.
Questions
The things people actually ask
Does North Carolina have a state solar tax credit?
None. North Carolina eliminated its residential renewable energy tax credit in 2016. This is the most common misconception in the state, and some sales representatives still imply one exists. It does not.
Is there still a 30% federal tax credit in 2026?
Not for a homeowner buying a system. The residential credit (25D) ended for systems purchased after December 31, 2025. What remains under 48E applies to the owner of the system, which under a power purchase agreement is us, not you.
Which North Carolina incentives work with a lease or PPA?
Third-party ownership rules in North Carolina are narrower than in the Northeast. Ask any company offering you a $0-down structure to state plainly which product it is and who owns the system.
How current is this page?
Checked August 2026. Program blocks fill and capacity caps close things early, so confirm current terms with your utility or state commission before making a decision.
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