2025 Solar Incentives Guide for Archdale, NC - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Archdale.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 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 Archdale solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Archdale?

Duke Energy - NC Solar Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Residential: $0.60/W-AC
Nonresidential: $0.50/W-AC
Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC

Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Residential systems: 100% of the appraised value
All other systems: 80% of the appraised value

Active Solar Heating and Cooling Systems Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
No more than conventional equipment

EnergyUnited (Electric) Residential Energy Efficiency Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Heat Pumps (15 SEER): $150/unit
Heat Pumps (16 SEER): $300/unit

Duke Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
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

Incentive Type:
Performance-Based Incentive
Varies by technology and system size
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

Incentive Type:
Loan Program

Local Option - Green Building Incentives

Incentive Type:
Green Building Incentive
Authorized by legislation for green buildings. Actual permit process to be determined by local government.

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are designed to encourage people to switch their home over to renewable energy by offering incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Various kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the North Carolina government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Archdale utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might make back a percentage of the value.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are typically applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates might be provided by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for cash that typically becomes part of your taxable income. Generally, there is a small threshold of energy production to meet before your solar system is eligible for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. These kinds of incentives are generally handled by your state government.
  • Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you ignore the value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
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Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. An incentive many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a given percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and allows you to deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, labor, equipment and accessories. You can receive this credit for a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The original claim amount was 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.

Talking to your local Archdale solar panel installer is the best way to understand how the ITC may apply to you.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. You can now receive a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation on or after January 1, 2022, and will be done by December 31, 2032. The total credit will then decrease annually until its expiration. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Archdale solar panel installation experts can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Tax credits, rebates and more can be offered at a more local level. These incentives might be distributed by the North Carolina government, or by your county or municipality. Some are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Archdale

Solar incentives can be provided by the federal government, the North Carolina government or your local utility company. The growing number of incentives available has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. Reaching out to your local Archdale solar panel installer is the right first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.

EcoWatch's Archdale, NC Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I find out if I qualify for specific solar incentives?

Typically, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar system
  2. installed on a property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including ones handled by the North Carolina government or by your county/municipality, may have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Archdale solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project may qualify for.

What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by changing where you get your energy, you can help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. A solar system can also reduce your home's CO2 emissions by 300 pounds yearly, or around 6,000 pounds in 20 years.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

Can I use a combination of solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?

You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Make sure you talk through your plan with your local Archdale solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and give you an understanding of various incentives that you may or may not qualify for.

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.

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