Solar Quotes in North Carolina: Duke Energy Net Metering, Property Tax and What to Ask

Net metering for Duke Energy residential customers

• On March 23, 2023, in Docket E-100, Sub 180, the NC Utilities Commission approved revised net metering tariffs. Duke Energy's new residential riders took effect October 1, 2023. Source: NC Public Staff, publicstaff.nc.gov (accessed 2026-10-20)
• Residential Solar Choice (Rider RSC): requires a time-of-use rate with critical peak pricing. It adds a minimum monthly bill and some non-bypassable charges, and credits net exports at the utility's avoided-cost rate each month. Source: NC Public Staff (accessed 2026-10-20)
• Net Metering Bridge (Rider NMB): similar, but without the mandatory TOU/CPP rate. It is open to a limited number of customers each year, for up to 15 years. Source: NC Public Staff (accessed 2026-10-20)
• Duke Energy Carolinas customers: Duke Energy Carolinas' Rider NM tariff says existing residential participants who applied before October 1, 2023 "shall remain eligible for service under this Rider until December 31, 2026" and "will be required to transfer to Net Metering Bridge Rider NMB or another net metering rider in effect at the time by January 1, 2027." Source: p-cd.duke-energy.com (accessed 2026-10-20). Duke Energy Progress customers should check their own utility's tariff.
• Duke Energy Carolinas customers: Duke Energy Carolinas' Rider NMB tariff says it "will be closed to new participants on and after January 1, 2027." Source: p-cd.duke-energy.com (Leaf No. 143, effective 9/1/2026; accessed 2026-10-20). Duke Energy Progress customers should check their own utility's tariff.
• Municipal utilities and co-ops have their own policies, so ask yours.

Property tax

• N.C.G.S. 105-275(45) excludes 80% of the appraised value of a solar energy electric system from property tax. Source: ncleg.gov (accessed 2026-10-20)

Is solar worth it in North Carolina?

It depends on your bill, roof and utility rules. Here is an estimate for a home with a $150 monthly electric bill and a south-facing, unshaded roof, before any incentives:

• Residential electricity averaged an estimated 14.94¢/kWh in North Carolina (January–July 2026), below the U.S. average of 18.19¢ (35 of 51, highest first). Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.B (accessed 2026-10-20)
• Small rooftop systems in North Carolina produced an estimated 1,686 kWh per kW of panels in 2024 (2024 small-scale solar generation divided by average 2023–2024 small-scale capacity). Source: EIA Electric Power Annual 2024, Tables 3.21 and 4.7.B (accessed 2026-10-20)
• Estimated system size: 5.5–7.5 kW, producing about 10,959 kWh a year (estimated).
• Estimated installed cost: $19,500–$33,800 before incentives, using $3.00–$5.20 per watt. Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2024 installed prices, 20th–80th percentile; accessed 2026-10-20)
• Estimated simple payback: 10–24 years. Savings depend on how your utility credits exported energy (see above).

Estimates only, based on public data and simple assumptions. Actual production, cost, and savings vary by home, utility, rate plan, and installer. Not a quote, and not a guarantee of savings. Ask your installer about any state, local, or utility incentives that apply. State and local programs: DSIRE.

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A note on the federal tax credit

The federal residential clean energy credit (25D) doesn't apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025. The IRS treats an expenditure as made when installation is completed, so most systems installed in 2026 don't qualify. If a quote assumes a 30% federal credit, ask the installer to explain it. Source: IRS OBBB FAQ, irs.gov (accessed 2026-10-20). This page isn't tax advice.

Questions to ask

1. Which Duke rider (RSC or NMB) does your estimate assume? If I'm a Duke Energy Carolinas customer, can I apply for NMB before it closes to new participants on January 1, 2027? (Duke Energy Progress customers: check your own tariff.)
2. Which rate schedule does the estimate use?
3. Does the quote include a battery, and why or why not?

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