2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Carolina Shores, NC - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Carolina Shores.
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 Carolina Shores solar installers to see how much you can save.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Carolina Shores?
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
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 are intended to encourage homeowners to switch to renewable energy by providing incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are handled by the North Carolina government or by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund credited to your account after you've paid for your solar system. These might be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The rebates are usually applied before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other performance-based incentives are normally handled by your state government. Once your solar system meets the threshold (typically a small amount of energy production), you are eligible to receive SRECs that can then be sold to your utility company or other buyers. The money you make is generally considered part of your taxable income.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Carolina Shores utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the added value of your solar system when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit equal to a certain percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.
The ITC applies to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.
Your local Carolina Shores solar panel installation expert can give you more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.
The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners can now receive a credit equal to 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed before the end of 2032. The percentage will then begin to decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Carolina Shores solar panel installation experts can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more might be claimed at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. Incentives might be given by the state of North Carolina, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Carolina Shores
The expanding number of solar incentives available has helped tremendously increase the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from your local utility company, the North Carolina government or the federal government. Your local Carolina Shores solar panel installation expert can give you more information about which incentives you can apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Carolina Shores, NC Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Carolina Shores solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those provided by the North Carolina government, may have other requirements.
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my house in Carolina Shores?
On average, Carolina Shores homeowners who install solar panels save around $1,043.98 per year, or around $19,835.53 over 20 years after they make the switch.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can apply for?
Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a number of new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Be sure to go over your ideas with your local Carolina Shores solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and educate you on the 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.