Solar Payback in North Carolina
An 8 kW system in North Carolina pays for itself in roughly 15.5 years — slower than the national average by about 1.7 years.
The 30% federal residential solar credit (Section 25D) ended for expenditures after 31 December 2025. Homeowners buying in 2026 receive no federal credit. Businesses are treated differently under Section 48E.
Payback period
15.5 years
29 of 51 states
Net cost, 8 kW
$24,000
No federal credit in 2026
Electricity rate
13.8¢ / kWh
Peak sun hours
4.8 / day
Averages for North Carolina (2025 averages, reviewed October 2026). Your own bill and roof will differ — use the full calculator to put your numbers in.
Why North Carolina lands where it does
North Carolina sits near the middle on electricity price at 13.8 cents a kilowatt-hour, so payback is driven about equally by the rate and by the 4.8 peak sun hours the state averages.
At 4.8 peak sun hours a day, production is close to the national average.
Local and utility incentives are not included above, because they change too often for any published list to stay right. If North Carolina offers a rebate, enter it in the calculator and the payback will shorten accordingly.