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TOU Rate Structure

Solar ROI for Duke Energy Carolinas Customers

Duke Energy Carolinas charges an average of $12.2¢/kWh. Peak rates reach $17.8¢/kWh with off-peak at $8.2¢/kWh, creating strong battery arbitrage value. A 7 kW solar system produces a $4,876 NPV over 25 years.

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

Duke Energy Carolinas Rate Structure

ParameterRate
Average residential rate$12.2¢/kWh
Peak rate$17.8¢/kWh
Off-peak rate$8.2¢/kWh
Peak/off-peak spread$9.6¢/kWh
Rate structureTOU
Export credit policy1:1 net metering at retail rate

Solar System Economics

A 7 kW solar system for a Duke Energy Carolinas customer costs $18,760 before incentives. The 30% federal ITC saves $5,628. The net out-of-pocket cost is $13,132.

At Duke Energy Carolinas's $12.2¢/kWh average rate, the system saves $1,153 in year one, producing 9,450 kWh. The solar LCOE of $0.144/kWh is -18% below Duke Energy Carolinas's current rate.

Battery Storage for Duke Energy Carolinas Customers

$8,400
Battery Net Cost
$1
Daily Arbitrage
$319
Annual Arbitrage
-$6,665
25-Year Battery NPV

Duke Energy Carolinas's TOU spread generates $319/year in arbitrage value. The 25-year battery NPV of -$6,665 suggests batteries are marginal on economics alone. Backup power value and grid services programs may improve the case.

FAQ: Solar for Duke Energy Carolinas Customers

How much can Duke Energy Carolinas customers save with solar?
A typical 7 kW solar system saves Duke Energy Carolinas customers approximately $1,153/year in electricity costs. Over 25 years, the NPV of savings after system costs is $4,876.
What is Duke Energy Carolinas's rate structure?
Duke Energy Carolinas uses a time-of-use (TOU) rate structure with peak rates of $17.8¢/kWh and off-peak rates of $8.2¢/kWh. The $9.6¢/kWh peak/off-peak spread creates significant value for battery storage — TOU arbitrage alone is worth $319/year.
Does Duke Energy Carolinas offer net metering?
1:1 net metering at retail rate
Should Duke Energy Carolinas customers add battery storage?
Battery storage for Duke Energy Carolinas customers has a 25-year NPV of -$6,665. The economics are marginal based on TOU savings alone, but backup power value and future grid services programs may change the equation.

Other Utilities in North Carolina

Duke Energy Progress NC
$12.8¢/kWh · FLAT
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