North Carolina Net Metering Rates 2026
North Carolina solar exports are credited under full retail-rate net metering, worth roughly ~100% of retailof the retail electricity rate. Here's exactly how it works, which utilities offer it, and what it means for your payback.
How Net Metering Works in North Carolina
When your panels produce more electricity than your home is using, the surplus flows back onto the grid and your meter records the export. North Carolina utilities credit those exported kilowatt-hours at the full retail price you pay for grid electricity. You draw that credit back down at night or on cloudy days, so you only pay for your net consumption across the billing cycle.
Because North Carolina mandates net metering, a correctly sized system can push net annual electricity costs close to zero for many NC homeowners.
What It's Worth: ~100% of retail of Retail
The single biggest driver of solar payback is how much your utility pays for exported energy. North Carolina's full retail-rate crediting is the most valuable structure available — every exported kWh offsets a kWh you'd otherwise buy at full price.
The average NC homeowner reaches payback in 8.1 years and nets $38,900 over 25 years with these rules in effect.
North Carolina Utilities Offering Net Metering
The major utilities operating in North Carolina are Duke Energy NC, Dominion Energy NC. Net metering terms — true-up dates, monthly fees, and credit carryover — vary by provider, so confirm the current tariff with your specific utility before signing an installation contract.
North Carolina Net Metering FAQ
What will net metering save you in North Carolina?
Our calculator factors North Carolina's full retail-rate net metering into your payback and 25-year savings — using your actual electric bill.