North Carolina Solar Rebates

Solar Electricity

The main incentive is in the form of a 35% rebate on the cost of installing a system with a maximum cap of $10,500 for solar photovoltaic, solar thermal electricity and many more electricity production methods.

While it is of little importance to residents, it is interesting to note that the North Carolina state makes up to $2,500,000 available under the same 35% rebate amount for industrial scale electricity projects. Clearly the state government is taking a very proactive stance on renewable energy.

Solar Hot Water

For solar hot water systems the rebate amount is also 35%, but with a maximum cap of $1400. This also includes solar pool heaters, which is a bit of a rarity for state based incentives.

How The North Carolina Solar Tax Credit Works

You will be able to claim up to 50% of your tax in any one year until the entire credit amount has been returned to you. This applies to all single family dwellings. For dwellings housing more than one family, the credit must be taken in five equal installments over the five year period. Presumably this is to smooth out the tax revenue loss to the state.

The current scheme is open for new applications until the end of 2012, when the current legislation expires.

System Requirements

Rather than having a specific set of conditions that covers the whole state, individual jurisdictions have their own codes and requirements that need to be met. Contact your local council for details of any conditions they require you to meet.

The system does need to be primarily for generating electricity for your home, and not just an add on to sell electricity to others. Add on systems are not available for credits unless they qualify under the commercial part of the program.

Other Incentives

North Carolina offers a range of rebates and other incentives to make energy saving and investing in renewables very attractive. To see a comprehensive list of what's available, visit the NC Solar Center.

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