How To Get Free Solar Panels in North Carolina
Updated November 12, 2024 | 7 min read
Free solar panels in North Carolina? It may sound too good to be true, but it is possible to obtain solar panels at no cost through certain solar incentives and local solar programs in NC!
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Solar Power in North Carolina
North Carolina is a solar powerhouse, ranking #4 in the U.S. for solar installations. With over 250 sunny days a year, solar panels can significantly reduce your energy bills and protect you from rising electricity costs. In fact, North Carolinians who switch to solar save an average of $1,200 annually! Plus, you'll be contributing to a cleaner environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
Read also: Is Solar Worth it in North Carolina?
Step 1: Review Your Options
With the solar advantage 250+ sunny days per year, North Carolina has rolled out many solar incentives, tax breaks, and solar programs to help residents go solar for less. Included in these programs and solar incentives are ways to have your solar panels installed for free. Here are a few of the top ways to get solar panels installed for free in North Carolina.
Power Purchase Agreements
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is an agreement between you (the property owner) and a North Carolina solar energy company. A typically PPA contract will last 15-20 years.
In this agreement, the solar energy company will install solar panels on your roof or land for little or no money down. In exchange, you would agree to purchase the energy produced from this solar panel system at a fixed rate, cheaper than your current energy price.
The benefits of Power Purchase Agreements are that you can get solar panels installed for free, protect yourself against the rise of energy costs, and you have options at the end of the contract.
North Carolina is one of the only states in the Southeast US to offer Power Purchase Agreements. If you are interested in saving money on your monthly energy costs and don't want to pay for the upfront costs of solar panels, PPAs may be a good option for you.
Enter your zip code to see if you qualify for Free Solar Installation!
Do I Qualify?
Please enter a zip code
Solar Financing Options
If the goal of getting solar panels for free in North Carolina is to enjoy the benefits of solar panels without all the upfront costs, then understanding your purchasing options is important.
Solar Loans can be beneficial because you can invest in solar for little or no money down and enjoy the benefits of cheaper electricity. If the costs of your loan + your reduced energy costs are less than your current energy rates, then this option could make good sense.
Solar Leases can be a good option for those who may not want to stay in the same location for more than 30 years. Because some solar panel systems can last more than 30 years, a solar lease allows you the flexibility to enjoy solar panels for your contract term length and have the solar panels removed when you decide you want to move. Solar leases often come with no money-down options, which allow you to have your solar panels installed for free.
If you are considering a solar loan or a solar lease to have solar panels installed for free on your home or business, start here for a customized solar quote to discover your solar options.
Get started with your free NC Solar Savings quote!
Step 2: Determine if Your Home Qualifies
The choices we discussed above are just a few ways to reduce the costs of solar panels and help you get solar installed for free in your home. The solar program and purchasing options you will qualify for and the available benefits depend on your home's location in North Carolina.
Working with trusted local solar providers in North Carolina will help you make the best choice from the available options. Enter your zip code below to see exactly which solar incentives, discounts, and programs your home qualifies for.
Enter your zip code below to see which Solar Incentives you qualify for!
Do I Qualify?
Please enter a zip code
Step 3: Get a State-Licensed Solar Installation
If you’re a North Carolina home or business owner and looking to convert to clean renewable solar energy, it is very important that you work with local solar installers who are state-licensed. This will ensure you qualify for the right programs, save the most money, and receive a safe and secure installation of your solar panels.
Contact our local North Carolina solar experts at EcoGen America and we’ll walk you through the whole process of investing in a home solar system, helping you apply for the best programs and providing a secure high-quality solar installation!
We are committed to bringing our customers the benefits of solar energy throughout the State of North Carolina.
North Carolina Solar Incentives: Your Ticket to Free Solar
North Carolina offers a variety of solar incentives that can make going solar more affordable than ever. From federal tax credits that can cover 30% of your installation costs to Duke Energy rebates and property tax exemptions, there are plenty of ways to save.
You can even get solar panels installed for $0 down through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Interested in learning more about how these incentives can help you go solar for free in North Carolina? Read our full article for all the details.
Get started with your free NC Solar Savings quote!
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North Carolina Solar Incentives
Why Trust EcoGen?
At EcoGen America, we take pride in the credibility of our information and ensure its accuracy by cross-referencing our data with esteemed institutions such as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Our rigorous validation process underscores our commitment to delivering trustworthy and up-to-date solar content with editorial integrity. Our partners do not direct our editorial content. Learn more
Want to see how much you could save with solar in North Carolina?
Use our Free Solar Savings Calculator to see your potential savings by switching to solar.