North Carolina has already made huge strides in solar adoption — ranking fourth in the nation for installed solar capacity — but the next few years promise even more transformation. Check out our State of Solar 2025 report for the full picture.
Here are a few trends we’re watching closely as the next wave of clean energy takes shape across the state. 🌞
Microgrids and Smart Integration
As more homes and businesses add batteries and solar, we’re seeing the early potential for community-scale microgrids— small, locally controlled energy networks that can operate independently during outages. North Carolina’s growing EV market and expansion of smart home technologies are laying the groundwork for homes that are not just energy consumers, but active contributors to the grid.
In August 2025, the state launched a Clean Energy Microgrid Initiative to improve disaster resilience and energy security for critical facilities. Over time, similar models could evolve from neighborhood solar and battery clusters across the state.
More Adoption of Virtual Power Plant Programs
One of the most exciting developments right now is Duke Energy’s PowerPair pilot program. Through PowerPair, homeowners who install paired solar and battery systems can choose to let Duke dispatch their stored energy during peak demand — forming a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
This idea is still in its early stages, but the benefits are already clear: more grid reliability, cleaner peak power, and even homeowner rewards. Tesla and FranklinWH have also started offering a VPP option in Duke’s service area, showing that this technology is quickly moving from concept to reality.
At SEM, we’re watching this closely. As these programs expand, they could completely reshape how North Carolinians think about solar — from a personal investment to a shared energy resource.
Policy and Innovation (with a Few Setbacks)
North Carolina has a strong history of innovation, and that’s not slowing down — even when policy hurdles pop up. Earlier this year, the state was preparing to roll out EnergizeNC, a program designed to expand solar access for low-income and rural households using federal Solar for All funds.
In August 2025, however, the EPA terminated Solar for All funding nationwide, halting new disbursements (including NC’s $156 million award) and creating a lot of uncertainty for states that had already started planning.
While that’s a big setback for energy equity efforts, it’s not the end of the story. The groundwork laid through EnergizeNC — partnerships, outreach models, and community trust — still matters. We expect to see local innovation continue, from city-level incentives to new financing tools that make clean energy more accessible.
Emerging Challenges
Even with record-breaking growth, North Carolina’s solar future isn’t without friction points. Interconnection queues, grid constraints, and the need for equitable access can all slow progress.
Addressing these challenges will take collaboration between utilities, policymakers, and clean-energy leaders. Groups like the NC Clean Energy Technology Center continue to track and push for modernization efforts in their 50 States of Grid Modernization reports.
At SEM, we’re advocating for balanced, realistic solutions — ones that support innovation without leaving homeowners, builders, or local businesses behind.
Future-Proofing with Emerging Tech
Next-generation solar technologies are coming fast. AI-powered energy management, smart inverters, and new battery chemistries are already redefining how efficiently homes can produce, store, and share energy.
These tools are being piloted nationwide and will play a major role here as North Carolina continues to modernize its grid and policies. For homeowners, that means more control, better resilience, and a cleaner, smarter way to power everyday life.
A Chance for North Carolina to Lead
Between our strong solar resources, forward-thinking communities, and statewide commitment to resilience, North Carolina has a real shot at becoming a clean-energy powerhouse for the Southeast.
The next few years are about connection — linking homes, neighborhoods, and entire communities into systems that share energy, strengthen the grid, and keep power local. With the right mix of policy, innovation, and collaboration, the future of solar in North Carolina looks bright (and resilient). ✨
