Save up to 50% on Solar+Battery
Duke Energy Solar Rebates and Programs in North Carolina
breaking news!
Duke Energy PowerPair Rebate Approved
Duke’s PowerPair solar incentive offers Duke Energy homeowners in North Carolina a rebate of up to $3,600 for solar and $5,400 for batteries when installed together. That’s a total of $9,000 in extra savings! Don’t forget, both solar and battery systems are also eligible for the 30% Federal Tax Credit for solar, so with these incentives combined, homes could save more than 50% of their total system cost!
For the over-achieving solar savers out there, there is potential for even more savings if you elect into Duke’s EnergyWise/Power Manager Battery Control program.
Similar to past Duke Energy solar rebates, there is limited space. If you’re even just curious about what 50% off a solar + battery system could do for you, reach out today for a free quote to get started!
How Much is the Duke Energy PowerPair Rebate Worth?
| Incentive | Max System Size | Incentive Value | Avg. System Price | % of Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PV Solar |
$0.36 per watt |
10kW |
$3,600 |
$26,000 |
14% |
| Battery |
$400 per kWh |
13.5kW |
$5,400 |
$14,500 |
37% |
| PowerPair Total |
|
|
$9,000 |
$40,500 |
22% |
| PowerPair + 30% Tax Credit Total |
|
|
$21,150 |
$40,500 |
52% |
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Who is Eligible for PowerPair?
Duke’s Power Pair solar + battery rebate is only available to Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) & Duke Energy Progress (DEP) customers in North Carolina who install a new solar plus battery system on their home.
The PowerPair rebate has limited space, with a max program capacity of 60kW of installed solar between DEC & DEP, which we estimate to be around 6,000 homes in each territory. Like past rebates, we anticipate the rebate will fill quickly because the savings are so great, especially when combined with the 30% Tax Credit!
When Do You Apply for the PowerPair Rebate?
The PowerPair application will open May 10, 2024. To apply for the rebate, we need to have your system designed and have submitted a complete interconnection request to Duke Energy. This process can take several weeks, so we recommend getting started early to be ready when the rebate application launches.
common questions
Duke Energy Solar Credits
Of the 3,500+ systems we’ve installed across North Carolina, 99% are connected to the grid. That means when your solar system creates more energy than your home is using, that extra energy is sent back to the grid.
Duke Energy’s solar program offers two solar credit pathways. New customers will have the choice between a modified net metering credit, called the “Bridge Rate” and a brand new time-of-use (TOU) rate.
Which rate is the best option depends on how you use energy and your goals with solar energy. Our experienced solar designers can model both options for you so you have all the information to make the best choice for your home and family.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date about any future solar rebate developments.
important update
Duke Energy Net Metering Changes
Duke Energy has migrated to a Solar Net Metering 2.0 program with new solar credit optionsfor new solar customers.
Our solar designers will talk you through the options and help you understand what’s changing so you can make the switch to clean energy with confidence.
here for you
Not a Duke Energy Customer?
We know it’s disappointing that the rebate program is not available to you, but with solar prices at an all-time low and powerful tax incentives for solar, we’re confident we can design a solar solution that leaves you radiating with happiness.
Have questions about solar power? Want to find out how much solar would cost for your home? Reach out for a free quote to get started on your solar journey!
Benefits of Solar in North Carolina
Sustainable Savings
Lock in your energy rate for 25+ years with solar. With current incentives, clean energy is even more affordable for North Carolinians, making savings even better.
Energy Security & Independence
Generating your own solar energy means buying less from the utility (which means more money in your pocket), while protecting yourself from the utility's rising energy rates.
A Brighter
Future
Your solar system's impact goes far beyond your home. by harnessing the power of the sun, you are able to lead the change to creat a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be ready to apply for the PowerPair rebate when applications open in May 2024, we will need to have your system designed and have submitted an interconnection request with Duke Energy.
The process to design your system and submit a completed interconnection application with designs can take several weeks. So, if you’re a homeowner looking to install solar and batteries, now is a great time to see if the numbers make sense for you.
After you get in touch for a free solar and battery assessment, one of our solar educators will reach out to learn more about your energy goals. They’ll let you know whether your home is a good fit for solar and battery storage, and if it’s a match, connect you with one of our solar designers. Our designers will work with you to customize your dream system that’s unique to your home and energy goals – and you’ll be all set to be first in line to apply for the rebate once the application launches!
Your trusty, local solar installer should be able to help you with this one. 😉 Once you give us the green light and sign a contract, our project managers jump into action to secure the necessary permits from your local jurisdiction and apply for interconnection with Duke Energy. The only thing you’ll need to do is sign a few documents, but we fill out all the necessary paperwork.
If you are interested in applying for the Duke PowerPair solar and battery rebate, we’ll need to have your system designed to be able to submit an interconnection request to Duke Energy. Once your interconnection request is approved, you’ll have the last piece of information needed to apply for your solar rebate when the application launches in May 2024.
You may have seen social media ads on your newsfeed to “apply now” for solar or other posts pushing a deadline for a “limited time new solar incentive program in [insert your county]” – our team gets targeted with these ads too! It’s not very often that a new solar program pops up (especially a “special government” or “free solar program”). Many of these so-called “solar programs” are not new programs but a tactic by solar lead generation companies to pique your interest and get you to fill out a form so they can sell your info to other solar companies.
Duke Energy offers a net metering credit program to homes that go solar in North Carolina. Under net metering, any excess electricity a home produces is sent back to the grid and credited on the account’s monthly electric bill.
The value of those credits vary depending on whether the home is opted into Duke’s Bridge Rate program or the Time-of-Use (TOU) rate schedule. Either way, accumulated credits are applied to future energy bills.
Learn more about how utilities compensate homes for solar here →
How much you’ll save on your energy bill with solar really depends on how much energy your solar system produces compared to how much energy you use. We take a custom approach when designing your solar system to balance your historic energy use, any future energy needs (like an EV or new pool), your energy goals (reaching net-zero, financial reasons, etc.), and of course your budget.
Currently, there is no North Carolina Solar Tax Credit or other “solar program” offered at the state level. These solar programs have existed in the past, but are not presently available in 2024.
The 30% Federal Tax Credit is available to all North Carolinians though!
Whether or not solar is worth it, really depends on your energy goals paired with whether or not your home is a good fit for solar. Factors like shading or a north-facing roof can reduce solar’s value.
However, solar-friendly utility policies in North Carolina, such as net metering help make solar a beneficial investment for many businesses and homeowners across the state. Incentives like the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit make the climate for solar in North Carolina even better!
Let us know if you’d like to explore whether solar would be beneficial for your home.
Duke Energy does not install solar panels for residential or commercial customers. You will need to work with a local solar company to have a system installed.
The cost of a solar panel system varies depending on the location of your home, how much roof space you have, your energy use, and more. Our average 7.6kW solar system costs roughly $26,000 before incentives. This is obviously a baseline and your solar designer will provide you with a concrete number tailored to your home and energy goals.
The short answer is no. In North Carolina, solar would only increase property taxes if it is included in any reappraisal by the municipality you live in. Those guidelines and appraisal frequencies differ from county to county. If your municipality does factor solar into their local property tax evaluation, at most it would be a very small value (think a few dollars per month or less).
Duke Energy does not have an in-house home solar installation team. If you’ve had someone knock on your door saying they are a solar installer from Duke Energy, they are most likely working for a company that is a “Duke-approved” third-party contractor. To join Duke’s “exclusive” contractor referral list, a solar company just needs to register as a Duke Trade Ally which is a simple form and agreement to several terms and conditions.
Interestingly, one of the terms of being a Duke Trade Ally states: “Trade Allies shall not misrepresent the nature of their role in the program. In particular, Trade Allies shall not state or imply to customers, or any persons, that the Trade Ally is employed by or working on Duke Energy’s behalf.” So next time someone comes knocking on your door to sell solar “from Duke Energy” you’ll know exactly who the are (or aren’t).
Duke Energy does not have a solar monitoring platform. You can see how much energy you sent to the grid on your bill, but Duke does not provide panel-level production or consumption metrics.
Instead, you should have access to solar monitoring through your inverter or battery storage manufacturer’s app. We include SolarEdge and/or Tesla production and consumption monitoring with our solar and battery systems.
If you want to take your energy monitoring and control to the next level, you might consider a smart electrical panel, like SPAN.
Since you own your solar system, Duke Energy does not have an in-house solar installation or maintenance team to repair your solar panels. You will need to work with a local solar company for any maintenance services. If you are having performance or warranty issues with your solar system, get in touch! Our in-house solar tech support team would be happy to diagnose your system.
As a solar and building performance company serving the Carolinas, we’re all for improving the way people make and use energy! Here are some other energy-related residential rebates offered by Duke Energy:
What areas do you serve?
Southern Energy Management is North Carolina’s most established solar installer. We’ve helped 3000+ homes and businesses make the switch to solar since 2001. Our Raleigh-based team of in-house solar experts is proud to serve the areas of:
- Apex
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Charlotte
- Clayton
- Durham
- Fayetteville
- Fuquay-Varina
- Garner
- Greensboro
- Holly Springs
- Knightdale
- Morrisville
- Raleigh
- Wendell Falls
- Wilmington
- Winston-Salem
Obligatory Disclaimer: We Are Not Duke Energy
Duke Energy or Duke Energy Progress (“Duke Energy”) administers the Duke Energy PowerPair Rebate Program. Southern Energy Management is not Duke Energy and does not represent its views or opinions in any way. Southern Energy Management is not affiliated, associated, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the Duke Energy PowerPair Rebate Program. Our involvement with the PowerPair Rebate program is as a local solar installer that seeks to guide, educate, and support our customers to make the best solar decision for their home and/or business.
Any facts and statements on our website or digital content about the Duke Energy PowerPair Rebate program are based on publicly available information on Duke Energy’s website and our own experience in working with the program. This content is updated on a regular basis as new information is released and any inaccuracies or outdated information should be brought to our attention immediately so that we can correct it.
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About Us
North Carolina’s solar power and building performance expert. Founded in 2001, we’ve worked for 20+ years to improve the way people make and use energy.
