Wilmington, NC Solar Panels
Solar Power in Wilmington
Wilmington, NC is one of the sunniest cities on the East Coast — and that sunshine has real value. With North Carolina electricity prices rising 24% from 2020 to 2024, many homeowners are looking for ways to better understand and manage their energy costs. Solar panels for your home may be one of the most practical ways to do that.
This guide covers everything you need to know about solar installation in Wilmington, NC — from how the process works to what costs and savings you can realistically expect given the area’s coastal climate and energy profile.
NORTH CAROLINA by the Numbers
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Wilmington, NC?
Based on real solar installations across Wilmington and nearby communities like Leland, Hampstead, and Ogden, this calculator gives you an accurate, local estimate of what solar panels could cost — and save — for your home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Wilmington gets over 213 sunny days a year, making it one of the best cities on the East Coast for generating solar energy at home.
- North Carolina electricity rates rose 24% between 2020 and 2024. Solar panels can help protect you from future rate increases by generating your own power.
- Wilmington homeowners can save an estimated $59,000 over 25 years with solar — and leasing options are available with no upfront cost starting around $95/month.
Wilmington Electricity Prices
Electricity costs in Wilmington, NC have been climbing — and understanding what you’re paying is the first step toward managing it.
North Carolina electricity rates rose nearly 25% between 2021 and 2024, jumping from 11.3 cents to 14.1 cents per kWh. While still below the national average of 16.5 cents, the upward trend is clear and consistent.
Solar panels give Wilmington homeowners a way to generate their own electricity, reducing how much they draw from the grid. As utility rates rise, the energy your system produces becomes increasingly valuable.
Over a typical 25-year system lifespan, that protection from rising rates can add up significantly. Homeowners who go solar today lock in a more predictable energy cost — regardless of where utility prices head in the future.
Price of Energy: North Carolina vs National Average
Wilmington Area Utility Providers
Most Wilmington homeowners get their electricity from Duke Energy Progress. In 2023, Duke Energy Progress charged about 14.2¢ per kWh — higher than North Carolina’s state average of 12.9¢ per kWh. (2024 data is not yet available.)
That 14.2¢ rate is still below the 2023 national average of 16.0¢ per kWh. However, North Carolina electricity rates have been rising steadily — up 24% between 2020 and 2024 — meaning the gap with the national average is narrowing.
When electricity costs rise, generating your own power at home becomes more valuable. Solar panels can help stabilize what you pay for electricity — reducing your exposure to future rate increases from your utility provider.
Wilmington Utilities Electricity Rates
North Carolina Solar Incentives
Wilmington homeowners served by Duke Energy have access to several solar incentives in North Carolina that can help reduce the upfront and ongoing costs of going solar.
These include Duke Energy’s PowerPair rebate of up to $9,000 for solar paired with battery storage, monthly bill credits through the EnergyWise Home virtual power plant program, and net metering credits for excess energy sent to the grid. A commercial-only 35% state tax credit also exists for business installations.
For those considering a solar lease, Palmetto’s LightReach program claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on its end and passes those savings to customers through lower monthly payments, which simplifies the incentive process considerably.
| 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington.
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.
Wilmington is served by Duke Energy Progress. Check with your specific utility for the exact policy that applies to your account.
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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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.
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Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with North Carolina incentives.
Get a Free QuoteWilmington 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.
Wilmington’s mild coastal climate, warm summers, and over 213 sunny days per year make it a strong candidate for solar. Even on cloudy days, panels still generate meaningful energy.
Solar Production in Wilmington 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?
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Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Wilmington
We’ve mapped thousands of solar installations across Wilmington, NC so you can see just how many of your neighbors have already made the switch. Explore the map below to discover which neighborhoods and communities are leading the way on solar!
Leasing Solar Panels
If you’re a Wilmington homeowner served by Duke Energy Progress, you have access to a solar lease through Palmetto’s LightReach program. With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount — for example, around $95/month for a medium-sized home — rather than a large upfront cost. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, so you never have to worry about repairs, monitoring, or performance issues.
Compared to buying a system outright with cash, a lease removes the need to recoup a large investment, manage maintenance, or handle equipment warranties on your own. When something needs attention, Palmetto takes care of it. Your system also comes with a 90% production guarantee, so you know what to expect from your panels year after year. To understand how a lease compares to ownership in more detail, this guide walks through the key differences.
It’s worth noting that not all utilities in North Carolina allow solar leasing — several cooperatives in the state prohibit third-party ownership arrangements. Duke Energy Progress, which serves most of Wilmington, does allow leasing, making LightReach a straightforward option for most homeowners in the area. If you’re unsure which utility serves your home, your electric bill will confirm it.
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 strong sense in Wilmington. With over 213 sunny days per year and 5.1 peak sun hours daily, Wilmington is one of the best cities on the East Coast for solar production. Duke Energy Progress rates have risen 24% since 2020, making self-generated power increasingly valuable. A typical Wilmington home can save an estimated $59,000 over 25 years.
If upfront cost is a concern, Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease removes that barrier entirely — homeowners can go solar with no money down and start saving from day one, with plans starting around $95/month.
Most Wilmington homeowners are served by Duke Energy Progress (DEP), which currently offers the Net Metering Bridge Rider (NMB) — a monthly net metering program. Under NMB, any excess solar energy you export to the grid earns a credit at $0.034/kWh (3.4¢/kWh). Credits carry forward month-to-month and are settled monthly. A $28 minimum monthly charge plus $0.62/kW DC per month also applies.
Traditional 1-to-1 net metering closed to new DEP customers on October 1, 2023. Customers who were grandfathered on the old plan will transition to NMB by January 1, 2027. If you’re on a different utility, policies may vary — Brunswick Electric, for example, still offers full retail-rate 1:1 net metering for its customers.
Yes, solar panels can increase your home value in Wilmington. Research from Zillow found that homes with solar panels sell for about 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a $350,000 home in Wilmington, that could mean roughly $14,000 in added value.
This benefit applies to owned systems — not leased ones, since a leased system is owned by the solar company, not the homeowner. North Carolina also exempts solar equipment from property tax assessments, so your property taxes won’t increase as a result of the added value.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Wilmington homeowners can go solar for a low fixed monthly payment with no upfront cost — starting around $95/month for a medium-sized home. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, and passes commercial tax credit savings through to you via lower payments.
If you prefer to own your system outright, a cash purchase for an average Wilmington home runs approximately $22,970. Note that the federal 30% residential solar tax credit is no longer available following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate.
For many Wilmington homeowners, solar can make financial sense from day one — especially with a lease. With Palmetto’s LightReach program, your monthly lease payment is typically less than your current Duke Energy bill, so savings begin immediately with no upfront investment required.
With North Carolina electricity rates rising 24% since 2020, the value of generating your own power continues to grow. A typical Wilmington home is estimated to save around $59,000 over 25 years — making solar a financially sound long-term decision for many households.
Palmetto Solar is a strong choice for Wilmington homeowners. We’re a national company with deep local roots — having completed 2,076 installs across North Carolina since 2020. We offer some of the industry’s best financing options, including our LightReach lease with no upfront cost starting around $95/month.
Our vetted install network ensures quality workmanship, and every system comes with a 90% production guarantee and comprehensive maintenance coverage. Wilmington’s sunny coastal climate makes it an ideal fit for what we do.
With Palmetto’s LightReach program, Wilmington homeowners can lease solar with no upfront cost. One simple monthly payment covers the system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee. For a typical 8.19 kW system, the estimated lease payment is approximately $95/month — often less than your current Duke Energy bill.
Because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and passes those savings to you through lower monthly payments — an advantage over cash purchases, where the residential ITC is no longer available.