Cost report
Solar cost in North Carolina, 2026
Last updated May 5, 2026, based on May 2026 equipment pricing
North Carolina averages 4.7 peak sun hours per day at an average residential rate of 14¢ per kWh, escalating ~4.0% per year. A properly-sized 10 kW system in this state produces roughly 15,954 kWh in year one, about $2,234 of bill offset before any incentives.
What does a 10 kW system cost in North Carolina?
Three install paths, three price bands. Equipment cost is ~national; labor and permit cost vary by state.
Turnkey installer
$27,500–$35,000
$2.75–$3.50/W installed
Full-service: equipment + permits + design + installation + interconnect. One vendor, one warranty, two-day install.
Semi-DIY (recommended)
$15,000–$21,000
$1.50–$2.10/W landed
Homeowner sources equipment at wholesale, hires a licensed electrician for interconnect. Saves 30–50% vs. turnkey while keeping inspection sign-off.
Full DIY (equipment only)
$10,000–$14,500
$1.00–$1.45/W equipment
Equipment cost only, owner-builder install with electrician hired only for the line-side tap or main panel work. Allowed in this state.
Net metering & top utilities in North Carolina
Statewide net metering policy
Full Retail at ~14¢/kWh
Full retail net metering through Dec 2026, transitioning to net billing (Rider NMB)
Duke Energy Progress
~12.5¢/kWh average
Net metering: avoided cost, ~5.5¢/kWh
Duke Energy Carolinas
~12.8¢/kWh average
Net metering: avoided cost, ~4.5¢/kWh
Dominion Energy North Carolina
~12.5¢/kWh average
Net metering: full retail, ~12.5¢/kWh
State incentives in North Carolina
tax exemption
Property Tax Exemption
80% of appraised value of solar system exempt from property tax
Permits & licensing
Owner-builder exemption available. Licensed electrician required for final electrical connection. NC Electrical License tiers: SP, I, U, L
Varies by county. Most counties accept PE-stamped plans. SolarAPP+ adoption growing.
Owner-builder exemption: available
Methodology
Pricing reflects May 2026 wholesale equipment market data plus state-specific labor adjustments. Turnkey ranges are surveyed installer quotes; semi-DIY and DIY ranges assume sourcing from our equipment catalog with paid licensed-electrician interconnect. Production estimate uses 4.7 peak sun hours, 0.93 derating factor, and the state's 14¢/kWh average rate. These figures use standard derating, escalation, and TOU assumptions.