Did you know that North Carolina tops the national average for sunny days? North Carolina has 213 sunny days a year. According to current results, the state's four most populous metro areas— Charlotte , Greensboro, Raleigh and Wilmington—are Sunshine Cities. Although it rains in North Carolina, most areas (except in the mountains) receive little snow. All this is to say that the state has almost perfect conditions to maximize the efficiency of solar panels throughout the year
The average price of a solar system in North Carolina is less than $33,000. Although the state's average price per watt and cost of a solar system is slightly higher than the national rate, North Carolina residents have many incentives to switch to solar power in the Tar Heel State.
North Carolina residents enjoy some of the lowest electricity rates in the nation. However, Duke Energy, the state's main electric utility, has raised prices by 9.5% through the end of 2022, according to WCNC.
To avoid future electricity price increases, North Carolinians should look to the sun for green energy options that can keep prices stable for years to come.
Cost of solar panels in North Carolina
According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's "Tracking the Sun" report, the average cost of solar panels on homes in North Carolina is $4.63, or about $32,613. The chart below shows the high and low system figures, representing the high and low ends of the spectrum when it comes to residential solar panel costs.
Pay special attention to the middle of the numbers. According to Investopedia, "A mean is the middle number in a sorted, ascending or descending list of numbers and can better describe that set of data than the average."
Many other cost analyzes you can find on the Internet show averages. However, the average includes animals at the top and bottom of the scale which may skew the results. Filters out those outliers to represent the true median of the data.
North Carolina Solar System Statistics
| | System Size (kW) | Price per watt | total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| discharge | 9:9 | $5.77 | $57,251 |
| Average: | seven | $4.63 | $32,613 |
| down | 4.8: | $3.11 | $14,906 |
North Carolina v. United States
| | Plant Size (kW) | Price per watt | total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | seven | $4.63 | $32,613 |
| At the national level | 7.6: | $3.67 | $26,882 |
Solar financing options for North Carolina residents
The most common ways for state residents to pay for solar panels are as follows :
- Meaning:
- Solar Loans
- Solar rent
- Power Purchase Agreement
This is often the best method of paying cash when installing solar panels, as it is interest-free and entitles you to solar tax credits and rebates. Solar loans may also qualify for tax credits and refunds, but repayment periods are longer and interest accrues. Finally, solar leases and PPAs have fixed monthly payments, but the owner has less control over the solar system and no incentives.
You can also explore alternative financing methods, such as personal loans, home equity loans, or government loan programs such as the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program. "PACE programs allow the homeowner to finance initial energy costs or other improvements to the property and then pay back the cost over time through voluntary assessments. A unique feature of PACE assessments is that the assessment is tied to the home, not the individual," according to the Renewable Energy Agency on Energy Efficiency. and called Shakti.
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North Carolina Solar Panel Incentives and Rebates
Thanks to these local and state solar incentives, North Carolina residents have many opportunities to save on solar panel costs. The Clean Home Energy Credit is perhaps the biggest opportunity for North Carolina residents to save thousands of dollars on home solar energy. This solar tax credit can save you $10,000 off the average solar system price of $32,613. See the table below for more details.
| Activities: | Description: |
|---|---|
| Blue Ridge Energy Net Metering | Customers get bill credit for solar power generation at the "latest approved rate level". |
| Duke Energy net meter | NC Duke Energy customers with residential solar systems can receive bill credits for sending excess electricity produced by generators to the utility grid. |
| Duke Energy Solar Rebate Program | This incentive is a one-time discount for NC Duke Energy customers with solar panels The amount of discount depends on the size of the solar system. A 7kW system will generate a bonus of about $2,800. Homeowners must submit a solar rebate claim within 90 days of installation. |
| Net Accounting Program | Several electric utilities in North Carolina offer net metering programs. Contact your provider to confirm your proximity. |
| Property tax exemption for solar energy systems | Owners of public solar systems can claim a property tax deduction of up to 80% of the qualified value of their solar system. Apply here in Returned NC Section. |
| Home Clean Energy Credit | This federal incentive, available to homeowners, provides a 30 percent tax credit for systems installed between 2022 and 2032. Apply through the IRS. |
North Carolina Solar Panel Company
According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, more than 200 solar companies operate in North Carolina. Several large solar companies operate nationwide, while others are located in the Southeast region. Whether you prefer to stay where you are or work with a big brand, we have the details of reliable solar installers in North Carolina.
ADT Sun
ADT Solar is a national brand that installs solar panels in North Carolina. Parent company ADT Security has been around for more than 100 years, which can make it attractive to owners who want to stick with an established company. ADT Solar also offers a price match guarantee, so shop around before you sign a contract. ADT offers Tesla Powerwall and Enphase IQ batteries, solar loan financing and a 25-year warranty agreement.
8M Sun
8M Solar is a local company established in 2009. 8M has a presence in more than a dozen North Carolina cities, including Charlotte, High Point, Raleigh and Winston-Salem. The company has an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau and is licensed by Duke Energy. 8M offers batteries from top brands like Tesla Powerwall and Sonnen, a 25-year warranty on solar power systems, and third-party financing options.
sun palm
South Carolina-based Palmetto Solar, founded in 2010, is a good choice for North Carolina. Palmetto has a nationwide presence that supports its customers throughout the installation process and backs its work with a 25-year performance warranty. Palmetto offers several financing options, such as: solar loans, leases or PPAs. Customers can add a solar battery to store solar energy.
Solar energy is solar
SunPower is a major player in the residential solar deployment landscape. The company was established in 1985. SunPower's prices are higher than other solar installers because the California-based company uses high-efficiency MaxOne-brand panels and its own SunVolt batteries. SunPower customers can pay cash, take out a solar loan or lease, and receive a 25-year system warranty and 10-year battery warranty.
Yes solar solution
Founded in 2009, Yes Solar Solutions is a family-owned solar company based in Cary, North Carolina. Yes Solar Solutions does not rely on contractors, but invests in its people through continuous training and development. Yes Finance Assistance uses its partner network to help customers find an affordable solar loan interest rate. For solar storage solutions, the company has certified Tesla Powerwall installers and has a 25-year warranty on solar panels.
Additional options for solar installations:
Some notable solar installers in North Carolina include Sunrun and Tesla Solar .
Installation factors to consider
Before deciding on a solar panel solution for your North Carolina home, consider these five things so you don't have any surprises before or during installation.
- Rent or own? Homeowners generally have more freedom to make changes to their property. However, tenants cannot install solar systems without the landlord's permission, but community solar programs like Arcadia's can be a solar option.
- Roof condition. A reliable solar installer will determine if your roof needs maintenance prior to installation. Depending on the condition and age of your roof, you can estimate if repairs are needed before installing solar.
- Host Location: North Carolina residents typically have plenty of sunlight year-round to generate solar energy. However, homes with dense tree cover or facing southern skies can create more efficient solar systems.
- HOA and neighborhood rules. Be aware of your HOA rules or neighborhood restrictions before or during installation to avoid complications.
- Home insurance contract. Most home insurance companies can add a solar panel to your policy. Before purchasing solar panels, start by contacting your insurance company to let them know about your home renovations.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Solar
Does North Carolina offer solar incentives?
Yes! Solar incentives in North Carolina include net metering programs, property tax credits, and state and federal rebates for installed solar panels.
Which way should solar panels face in North Carolina?
In general, south-facing solar panels are best because they absorb the most sunlight. However, homes that receive a lot of sunlight can opt for west-facing panels because they produce more energy during peak hours, even though overall energy production is lower.
Can an HOA ban solar panels in North Carolina?
According to WFAE, "The state's Solar Energy Affordability Act of 2007 does not allow HOAs to ban solar panels, although it does allow rules limiting their installation." However, in June 2022 there was a lawsuit between residents who installed solar panels on the front of their roofs and their HOA relaxed the solar panel rules. The court ruling allowed the front panel. "Because the neighborhood covenants did not specifically prohibit solar panels, the judge ruled that the review panel could not enforce the ban," the WFAE article said.
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