Solar Opportunities - North Carolina

Solar Offerings and Incentives

All across North Carolina, it is possible to find a qualified contractor to install rooftop solar on homes and businesses. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for a limited time offer of discounted purchase prices or may be able to purchase solar power without actually installing the equipment on your property.  These Solarize programs and community or shared solar opportunities are listed below.  Of course, you can always install solar on your home by hiring a qualified solar installer, even if you don’t live in one of these program areas.  If so, don’t forget to claim the state tax incentives . And if you are part of a non-profit organization interested in sponsoring a community-based solar project, there is an opportunity for that as well.

Tax Incentives

Personal tax credit

Through 2015, North Carolina will offer a 35% tax credit to all homeowners, business owners, and rental property owners who install solar or other renewable systems. More information can be found here.

Property tax exemption

North Carolina offers a tax incentive for homeowners who install solar on their properties, exempting 80% of the appraised value of a photovoltaic system.  More information is available here.

 Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

A federal-level investment tax credit (ITC) is now available to consumers wanting to purchase small wind turbines, solar panels, or geothermal heat pumps.  The ITC, written into law through the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, is available for equipment installed from Oct. 3, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2016. The credit covers 30% of the equipment cost, though some technologies have a credit cap of $2000. More details and a complete list of eligible technologies can be found here.

Local Programs

Clean Energy For Us

Clean Energy for Us initiatives help homeowners, small businesses, and non-profit organizations to install solar and/or identify energy efficiency opportunities for their homes through discounted pricing, free energy audits, vetted contractors and information on tax credits and other incentives. CEFU initiatives are available for a limited time.  New communities may be added in the future, so check back again if you don’t see your area listed below.  Or contact CEFU directly if you would like to help organize an effort in your town.

Solarize North Carolina

Solarize North Carolina offers bulk discount pricing, access to affordable financing, and streamlined installations for the residents of solarize towns. Residents can  get a free, no obligation site consultation. Currently only Raleigh is a Solarize town, but more information on which towns may become solarize towns in the future can be found here. 

New Solarize programs may be offered in other towns in 2015.  If interested, check back in the spring for additional information.

Appalachian Institute for Renewable Energy

AIRE works with groups who want to collaboratively fund solar facilities in their communities, including congregations of faith, neighborhood associations, nonprofits, local governments and schools.

Eligibility:  a non-profit or not for profit community group and third party investors.

For more information:  call 828.268.5022 or visit http://aire-nc.org/ and   info@aire-nc.org