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Discover the Power of Solar Energy in North Carolina!

Welcome to North Carolina, a state celebrated for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and strong commitment to renewable energy. With its ample sunshine and supportive state policies, North Carolina has emerged as a leading state in the solar energy sector. This abundant solar resource offers a prime opportunity for homeowners and businesses to harness clean, renewable energy. North Carolina?s attractive incentives and rebates are designed to reduce the upfront costs associated with solar installations, making solar energy a viable option for many. Learn how tapping into the sun?s power can illuminate your home, decrease your energy expenses, and contribute to a healthier planet. Join us in capturing the endless energy of the sun and step into a brighter, more sustainable future in the Tar Heel State.

Solar State Incentives

North Carolina State Solar Incentives

North Carolina Community Solar Rules
Community Solar in NC is regulated by House Bill 589. Utilities must offer a plan for community solar facilities, with a minimum of five subscribers. Duke Energy makes this available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Randolph EMC - ElecTel Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Randolph EMC residential customers can get low-interest loans for energy efficiency improvements via ElecTel Cooperative Federal Credit Union.
Duke Energy - NC Solar Rebate Program
Duke Energy and Progress Energy launch a solar incentive program in North Carolina, offering rebates for new solar PV systems to promote renewable energy adoption.
Blue Ridge EMC - Net Metering
Blue Ridge Electric offers net metering to customers with solar, wind, or hydro generators. Excess generation is credited at retail rate, with a higher grid service charge.
Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance
The North Carolina Solar Center and the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association published a template solar energy development ordinance, providing guidance for solar energy system regulations.
Town of Carrboro - Worthwhile Investments Save Energy (WISE) Homes and Buildings Program
Carrboro offers loans to local businesses and non-profits for energy efficiency upgrades, with a 10-year term, 3% interest rate, and a minimum amount of $1500.
Piedmont EMC - Residential Solar and Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Piedmont Electric offers low-interest loans to members for energy efficiency upgrades, including electric heat pumps, insulation, and solar installations.
Catawba County - Green Construction Permitting Incentive Program
Catawba County offers incentives for sustainable building, including 25% rebate on permit fees, and 50% on plan review fees for LEED certified buildings.
Haywood EMC - Residential Heat Pump and Weatherization Loan Program
Haywood EMC's solar incentive program offers members 100% financing for heat pump installations or weatherization improvements. The program, in partnership with ElecTel Cooperative Federal Credit Union, aims to promote renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency among residential customers.
South River EMC - Solar Water Heating Rebate Program
South River EMC offers rebates for customers installing solar water heating systems with specific certifications. Systems must be new, installed post 01/01/2009.
Four-County EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Four-County EMC offers rebates for customers purchasing Energy Star appliances and heat pumps. Rebates range from $50 to $1000. Conditions apply.
Durham County - High-Performance Building Policy
Durham County mandates new public buildings to meet high-performance standards to aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2030.
Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems
North Carolina law exempts 80% of the appraised value of a solar energy electric system from property tax, effective July 1, 2008.
City of Asheville - Efficiency Standards for City Buildings
Asheville City Council's climate goals include reducing carbon emissions by 80%, waste by 50%, and achieving 100% renewable energy. New city buildings will adhere to LEED standards.
Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard
North Carolina's Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (CEPS) has been revised to include nuclear and fusion energy resources. The state requires investor-owned utilities to derive 12.5% of their 2020 retail electricity sales from clean energy sources by 2021.
North Carolina Solar Rights
North Carolina law allows for residential installation of solar collectors, with regulations on location and visibility. Restrictions cannot prevent reasonable use of solar power.
Lumbee River EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program
LREMC offers low interest loans up to $35,000 for energy efficiency home improvements such as efficient windows, insulation and solar projects.
Union Power Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficient Loan Program
Union Power Cooperative offers low-interest loans up to $30,000 for energy efficiency improvements with rates as low as 3.90%.
Net Metering
Duke Energy modifies net metering rules for residential systems from October 1, 2023. Customers can choose between new rules or Proposed Bridge Rate.
Town of Chapel Hill - Land-Use Management Ordinances
Chapel Hill's 2003 ordinance protects solar energy systems and restricts building height to prevent loss of light and air for adjacent properties.
Town of Chapel Hill - Energy Conservation Requirements for Town Buildings
Chapel Hill requires new or expanded town buildings to earn LEED Silver certification and meet Architecture 2030 fossil fuel reduction targets, unless a waiver is granted.
Interconnection Standards
North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) adopts expedited review process for swine and poultry waste energy projects under 2 MW. Revised interconnection standard includes adding energy storage at existing solar PV sites.
NC GreenPower Production Incentive
NC GreenPower has ended its small solar generator program since February 2018. The program offered incentives for renewable energy use, but new solar applications are no longer accepted.
Active Solar Heating and Cooling Systems Exemption
Active solar heating and cooling systems' value is limited to a conventional system's worth for property tax purposes in North Carolina.

Federal Solar Incentives

USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.