Raleigh, NC Solar Panels
Solar Power in Raleigh
If you’re a Raleigh homeowner exploring solar, you’re not alone. North Carolina electricity prices have risen 24% from 2020 to 2024 — and the state now ranks 18th in the country for residential solar installations. More homeowners are looking for ways to take control of their energy costs, and home solar panels are increasingly part of that conversation.
This guide walks you through what solar installation in Raleigh, NC actually looks like — from the first step to your first bill savings.
NORTH CAROLINA by the Numbers
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Raleigh, NC?
Using real installation data from Raleigh and surrounding areas like Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and Garner, this calculator gives you an accurate, local estimate of what solar panels would cost — and save — for your specific home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Raleigh homeowners can save up to ~$59,000 over 25 years with solar, as North Carolina electricity rates have risen 25% since 2021 and continue to climb.
- Going solar in Raleigh costs as little as $95/month with a lease — no upfront investment, no maintenance, and a 90% production guarantee included.
- Raleigh gets 5.1 peak sun hours per day and 213+ sunny days annually, making it one of the better cities in the Southeast for solar energy production.
Raleigh Electricity Prices
Electricity costs in Raleigh are rising. Understanding what you’re paying — and why — is a smart first step for any North Carolina homeowner.
North Carolina electricity rates climbed from 11.3 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents per kWh in 2024 — roughly a 25% increase in just three years. That trend shows no signs of reversing.
Solar panel installation in Raleigh gives homeowners a way to generate their own electricity, reducing how much they rely on the grid and helping to manage the impact of rising utility rates.
Because solar systems are designed to last 25 years or more, the long-term benefit compounds over time — especially as grid electricity continues to cost more each year in North Carolina.
Price of Energy: North Carolina vs National Average
Raleigh Area Utility Providers
In Raleigh, NC, most homeowners get electricity from Duke Energy Progress. Based on 2023 data — the most recent available — Duke Energy Progress charges about 14.2¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
That 2023 rate sits above North Carolina’s state average of 12.90¢ per kWh, but below the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh. Duke’s rates reflect regional fuel costs, grid infrastructure, and state regulatory decisions.
Even at 14.2¢ per kWh, electricity costs add up over time — especially as utility rates shift year to year. Solar can help Raleigh homeowners reduce how much electricity they draw from the grid, offering more predictability in monthly energy costs.
Raleigh Utilities Electricity Rates
North Carolina Solar Incentives
Raleigh homeowners have access to several solar incentives in North Carolina that can help reduce the upfront and long-term costs of going solar.
These include Duke Energy rebates for solar paired with battery storage, bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid, and state-level programs for eligible households — though some programs are currently paused pending review.
Note that the federal residential solar tax credit is no longer available. If you lease solar through Palmetto’s LightReach program, Palmetto claims the commercial tax credit and passes the savings to you through lower monthly payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke Energy PowerPair Program | Rebate | Duke Energy offers a one-time rebate of up to $9,000 for residential customers who install a solar panel system paired with battery storage. | Learn More |
| Duke Energy EnergyWise Home Battery Program (Virtual Power Plant) | Rebate | Duke Energy’s EnergyWise Home program allows battery storage owners to earn up to $92/month (approximately $1,100/year) in bill credits by enrolling in a virtual power plant. | Learn More |
| Duke Energy Net Metering / Net Metering Bridge (NMB) Policy | Net Metering | Duke Energy North Carolina solar customers receive bill credits for excess electricity sent to the grid, currently under the Net Metering Bridge (NMB) rider at a rate of $0.034/kWh, with legacy net metering customers transitioning to NMB by December 31, 2026. | Learn More |
| EnergizeNC / Solar for All Grant Program | Rebate | EnergizeNC is a $156 million federally funded Solar for All grant program targeting low-to-moderate income North Carolina households for rooftop solar and battery storage — currently paused pending EPA review. | Learn More |
| NC Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit (RETC) — Commercial | Tax Credit | North Carolina offers a 35% state income tax credit on the cost of renewable energy property for commercial installations, with a maximum credit of $2.5 million per installation. | |
| NC-RETS Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | SREC | North Carolina solar system owners can register their systems with NC-RETS to generate and sell Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to help utilities meet the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. |
The Duke Energy PowerPair program provides a one-time rebate of up to $9,000 for Duke Energy customers in North Carolina who install a qualifying solar-plus-battery system. The rebate pays $0.36 per watt (up to 10 kW) for solar panels — up to $3,600 — and $400 per kWh (up to 13.5 kWh) for battery storage — up to $5,400. For example, a 7 kW solar system paired with a 13.5 kWh Tesla Powerwall would earn approximately $7,920 in rebates.
Availability is limited: Duke Energy Progress has already reached its capacity and is now operating a waitlist, while approximately one-third of Duke Energy Carolinas’ capacity remains. The program is a three-year pilot covering a total of 60,000 kW of solar across both territories (enough for roughly 8,550 average-sized home installations). Applications open each year on May 10 through a four-week random selection window on the Duke Energy website.
To participate, your system must be installed by a Duke Energy-approved Trade Ally contractor, use equipment from the approved battery vendor list, and you must grant Duke Energy access to your system’s operational and performance data via a stable internet connection. Homeowners in Raleigh on the Duke Energy Progress waitlist should monitor for openings, as spots may become available if some installations fall through.
The Duke Energy EnergyWise Home program is a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) that rewards homeowners for allowing Duke Energy limited access to their home battery storage system. Enrolled customers can earn up to $92 per month — approximately $1,100 per year — in energy bill credits. Additionally, homeowners who enroll in the battery control program receive an extra $6.50 per kW of continuous discharge capacity each month (e.g., a battery with a 5 kW discharge rate earns an additional $32.50/month).
Duke Energy will access your battery between 30 and 36 times per year to help manage grid demand. You will be notified before each event and can opt out up to four times per year while still remaining eligible for the full bill credits. The utility will never discharge your battery below 20% capacity, preserving your backup power reserve.
To be eligible, you must apply for interconnection, agree to participate for a minimum of one year, maintain a stable internet connection, and install an approved battery. Compatible batteries include models from Enphase, FranklinWH, SolarEdge, and Tesla. This program can be combined with the PowerPair rebate, making it a strong ongoing financial benefit for solar-plus-storage homeowners in Raleigh.
Duke Energy residential solar customers in North Carolina are currently served under the Net Metering Bridge (NMB) rider. Under NMB, your solar system offsets your electricity usage in real-time during the day. Any excess electricity you export to the grid earns a credit at a reduced rate of $0.034 per kWh (3.4 cents/kWh) — significantly lower than the full retail rate. These credits carry forward month-to-month and are settled monthly. Customers can remain on NMB for up to 15 years from their interconnection application date, after which they transition to the Residential Solar Choice (RSC) rider.
Customers who were on the legacy Rider NM (traditional 1-for-1 net metering) before October 1, 2023 may remain on that plan until December 31, 2026, at which point they will be automatically transitioned to Rider NMB. New solar customers interconnected after October 1, 2023 are placed directly on NMB. Monthly fixed charges apply: Duke Energy Progress customers pay a $28 minimum monthly charge plus $0.62/kW of DC capacity per month; Duke Energy Carolinas customers pay a $22 minimum monthly charge plus $0.28/kW of DC capacity per month.
EnergizeNC is a $156 million Solar for All grant program awarded to North Carolina by the EPA in April 2024. Led by the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s State Energy Office in partnership with the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, NC Clean Energy Fund, and Advanced Energy, the program is designed to help low-to-moderate income and disadvantaged households access rooftop solar and, in limited cases, battery storage — with an average projected savings of 20% on electricity bills. The program also targets multifamily housing owned by nonprofits and public organizations, as well as community solar pilots.
Important Notice: As of August 7, 2025, the EPA announced its intent to terminate the Solar for All program. The NC Department of Environmental Quality and its co-grantees have received and are reviewing a termination letter from the EPA. The program is currently paused. Homeowners in Raleigh interested in this program should monitor the EnergizeNC website for updates on whether the program resumes following any legal challenges.
If the program resumes, it will prioritize households in low-income and disadvantaged communities, including those on state- and federally recognized Tribal lands. Participants would receive meaningful financial incentives to reduce the upfront cost of solar installation. For the latest status updates, visit the official EnergizeNC website at energizenc.org or the NC DEQ Solar for All page.
North Carolina’s Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit (RETC) provides a 35% state income tax credit on the cost of qualifying renewable energy property for commercial, industrial, and non-residential installations. The maximum credit is $2.5 million per installation, making it a significant incentive for businesses, nonprofits, and other non-residential entities investing in solar energy systems.
This credit applies to solar photovoltaic systems and other qualifying renewable energy technologies installed on commercial properties. It is separate from any federal commercial tax incentives and can be used in conjunction with other applicable programs such as bonus depreciation or the federal commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which remains available for commercial projects that commence construction before applicable deadlines.
Businesses considering solar installations in Raleigh should consult with a tax professional to understand how the RETC interacts with other state and federal tax obligations. For full program details, eligibility requirements, and application procedures, refer to the DSIRE database maintained by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center or consult the NC Department of Revenue.
North Carolina operates the NC Renewable Energy Tracking System (NC-RETS), which issues Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) — sometimes called SRECs — to solar system owners. Each REC represents one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from a renewable source. Utilities in North Carolina are required to meet a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), and they can purchase RECs from solar owners to satisfy that requirement.
However, homeowners should be aware that the financial value of RECs in North Carolina is generally low. North Carolina’s RPS is not particularly aggressive, and the state accepts REC registrations from solar systems in any state, which increases the supply and suppresses prices. As a result, SRECs are unlikely to be a major source of income for most residential solar owners in NC compared to states with stronger RPS mandates.
Solar system owners in Raleigh interested in participating in NC-RETS should register their system through the NC-RETS portal and work with a REC aggregator or broker to sell certificates. For the most current information on REC values and registration requirements, consult the DSIRE database or the NC Utilities Commission.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with North Carolina incentives.
Get a Free QuoteRaleigh Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Raleigh enjoys over 213 sunny days annually, mild winters, and a favorable tilt angle for solar panels. Despite occasional humid summers and rain, Raleigh’s climate makes it an excellent city for solar production.
Solar Production in Raleigh by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Raleigh
We’ve mapped thousands of solar installations across Raleigh, NC so you can see just how many of your neighbors have already made the switch. Explore the map below to discover which communities and neighborhoods are leading the way on solar energy.
Leasing Solar Panels
If you’re a Raleigh homeowner served by Duke Energy Progress (DEP) or Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC), you have access to Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease — a straightforward way to go solar with no upfront cost. Most other North Carolina utilities currently prohibit third-party ownership arrangements, so this option is specific to Duke Energy customers.
With a solar lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount — as low as $95/month for a medium-sized home in Raleigh — while Palmetto owns and maintains the system. That means no repair bills, no performance worries, and no large investment to recoup. Palmetto’s LightReach program also includes a 90% production guarantee and comprehensive system protection, so you’re covered if something goes wrong.
Compared to a cash purchase, leasing removes the financial risk and maintenance burden entirely. You don’t need to track warranties, schedule service calls, or manage equipment over a 25-year lifespan. Want to understand how leasing compares to buying outright? Read our full breakdown of buying vs. leasing solar to find the option that fits your situation.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes sense for many Raleigh homeowners. With 5.1 peak sun hours per day and over 213 sunny days annually, Raleigh has strong solar production potential. North Carolina electricity rates have risen 25% since 2021, and homeowners can save an estimated ~$59,000 over 25 years with a properly sized system.
If upfront cost is a concern, Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease removes that barrier entirely — you can go solar with no money down and start saving from day one, with payments as low as $95/month.
Most Raleigh homeowners are served by Duke Energy Progress (DEP), which currently offers the Net Metering Bridge Rider (NMB) — a monthly net metering policy for new solar customers. Under NMB, any excess electricity you export to the grid earns a credit at 3.4 cents per kWh, which is carried forward monthly. Note that traditional 1-to-1 net metering closed to new customers on October 1, 2023.
If you’re served by a cooperative like Wake Electric Membership Corporation, traditional net metering is not offered — instead, exports are credited at a net billing rate of $0.04/kWh. Your specific policy depends on your utility provider, so it’s worth confirming with your provider before going solar.
Yes, solar panels can increase your home value in Raleigh. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a $400,000 home — close to Raleigh’s median — that’s roughly $16,400 in added value.
Raleigh’s strong solar production, rising electricity rates, and growing buyer awareness of energy costs make solar a particularly attractive feature for prospective homebuyers in the Triangle area.
The most affordable way to go solar in Raleigh is through Palmetto’s LightReach lease — with no upfront cost and a fixed monthly payment starting as low as $95/month for a medium-sized home. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, so there’s nothing out of pocket to get started.
For homeowners interested in a cash purchase, a typical 8.19 kW system runs around $22,970. Note that the federal 30% residential tax credit is no longer available following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate based on your home size.
For many Raleigh homeowners, solar can be worth it financially — especially with a lease. With Palmetto’s LightReach program, your monthly lease payment is typically less than your current electricity bill, meaning you can start saving from day one with no upfront investment required.
North Carolina electricity rates have risen 25% since 2021, and that trend is expected to continue. A properly sized system can save Raleigh homeowners an estimated ~$59,000 over 25 years, making solar a strong long-term financial decision for most households.
Palmetto Solar is a strong choice for Raleigh homeowners. We’re a national company with deep local roots — completing 2,076 installations across North Carolina since 2020. Our vetted install network knows the local permitting process, utility requirements, and roof conditions common in the Triangle area.
We offer some of the most flexible financing options in the industry, including our LightReach lease — no upfront cost, starting at just $95/month. Every system comes with a 90% production guarantee and comprehensive protection, so you’re covered long after installation day.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, you pay one fixed monthly payment that covers everything — the system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee. There is no upfront cost. For a typical 8.19 kW system in Raleigh, the estimated monthly payment is approximately $95/month.
Because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and passes those savings to you through lower monthly payments — a key advantage over a cash purchase. Most Raleigh homeowners served by Duke Energy can start saving from day one, since the lease payment is typically less than their current electricity bill.