2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Albemarle, NC - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Albemarle.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Albemarle solar installers to see how much you can save.
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Updated May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Albemarle?
Duke Energy - NC Solar Rebate Program
Nonresidential: $0.50/W-AC
Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC
Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems
All other systems: 80% of the appraised value
Active Solar Heating and Cooling Systems Exemption
EnergyUnited (Electric) Residential Energy Efficiency Program
Heat Pumps (16 SEER): $300/unit
Duke Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation or Attic Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Variable-Speed Pool Pumps: $300
NC GreenPower Production Incentive
PV larger than 5 kW: must enter bid process
Wind up to 10 kW: $0.09/kWh
Wind larger than 10 kW: must enter bid process
Local Option - Financing Program for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Local Option - Green Building Incentives
Duke Energy Progress - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $400 + 50 with smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation & Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Pool Pump: $300
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. This category of financial incentives is in place to encourage more people to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. You may be eligible for various types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the North Carolina government and others from the federal government. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for money that is generally considered part of your taxable income. In most cases, you must meet a certain (small) threshold of energy production before your solar system can earn SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are normally handled at the state level.
- Net Metering: Be sure to talk to your Albemarle utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This allows you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value added by your solar system when calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically given before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates may be given by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, how much income tax you owe the government. These differ from tax deductions.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are likely to be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. A federal incentive that most people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a certain percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC originally covered 30% of the cost of installing a solar system, and has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of labor, equipment and accessories. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.
To know exactly how much the ITC could save you, talk to your local Albemarle solar panel installation expert.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners may be eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Albemarle solar panel installation expert is the best person to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more might be claimed at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. Incentives might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the North Carolina government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Albemarle
Nationwide solar energy use has increased enormously in the past 15 years, in part due to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from your local utility company, the North Carolina government or the federal government. Speak with your local solar panel installation company today to learn more and to save as much money as possible on solar panels for your Albemarle home.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Albemarle, NC Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local Albemarle solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those provided by the North Carolina government, may have additional requirements.
My home already has solar panels. Do I qualify for any incentives?
Your best bet is to talk to someone from the company that installed your system — or speak to a local Albemarle solar installer — to clarify which incentives you may qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to Albemarle's top solar panel companies.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now titled the Clean Energy Credit, is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money possible.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.