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#20 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina averages 1,350 kWh per installed kW per year. At $12.2¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $4,876.

$13,132
System Cost (After Credits)
$4,876
25-Year NPV
11 years
Payback Period
$0.144/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in North Carolina

7 kW system (2.68/W)$18,760
Federal ITC (30%)-$5,628
Net Cost$13,132

Solar Production in North Carolina

North Carolina receives an average of 1,350 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 9,450 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At North Carolina's average residential rate of $12.2¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $1,153. The solar LCOE of $0.144/kWh is -18% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in North Carolina

1:1 net metering for systems up to 25 kW for Duke and Dominion customers

Solar by Utility in North Carolina

Duke Energy Progress NC

Avg Rate: $12.8¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

Duke Energy Carolinas

Avg Rate: $12.2¢/kWh
Structure: TOU
Peak: $17.8¢/kWh / Off-Peak: $8.2¢/kWh
View analysis ›

Solar FAQ for North Carolina

How much does solar cost in North Carolina?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in North Carolina costs $18,760 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, the net cost drops to $13,132.
What is the solar payback period in North Carolina?
Based on the average NC utility rate of $12.2¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,350 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 11 years. The 25-year NPV is $4,876.
Does North Carolina have net metering?
1:1 net metering for systems up to 25 kW for Duke and Dominion customers
What is the LCOE of solar in North Carolina?
The levelized cost of solar energy in North Carolina is approximately $0.144/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $12.2¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs -18% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in North Carolina?
North Carolina receives approximately 1,350 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 9,450 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 90% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

Compare Options in North Carolina

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Solar ROI in Similar States

Colorado

NPV: $11,378 · Payback: 9yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #12 ranked

New Hampshire

NPV: $21,202 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $25.2¢/kWh · #13 ranked

Maryland

NPV: $8,768 · Payback: 10yr
Rate: $15.8¢/kWh · #14 ranked

Rhode Island

NPV: $24,104 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $26.8¢/kWh · #15 ranked

Illinois

NPV: $7,460 · Payback: 10yr
Rate: $16.2¢/kWh · #16 ranked

South Carolina

NPV: $10,528 · Payback: 8yr
Rate: $13.2¢/kWh · #17 ranked

Get Your North Carolina Solar Analysis

These are averages. Your ROI depends on your specific utility, consumption, roof, and system size. Run a personalized 25-year NPV analysis — free.

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