Solar Power in Charlotte

If you live in Charlotte, you’ve likely noticed your power bill creeping higher each year. That’s not your imagination—North Carolina electricity prices have increased 24% from 2020 to 2024. Many Charlotte homeowners are exploring solar as a way to take more control over their energy and their monthly costs.

North Carolina now ranks 18th in the nation for residential solar installations, and interest in the Charlotte area continues to grow. This guide walks you through how home solar panels work and what solar panel installation in Charlotte looks like, step by step.

NORTH CAROLINA by the Numbers

• 18th Most residential solar in the United States
• 51 Households have installed solar panels
• 5.2 Avg peak sun hours per day
• ~$66k Charlotte average savings over 25 years

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Charlotte, NC?

Curious what solar costs in Charlotte? This calculator uses real data from our actual installations across the area—from Ballantyne and Matthews to Huntersville and Concord. Enter a few details to see a personalized estimate built on firsthand local numbers, not guesswork. It’s a simple way to understand your options.

This system size is designed to offset approximately 100% of the average electricity usage for a home of this size in North Carolina.

Recommended System

• Size: 8.92 kW
• Estimated Monthly Payment: $103/mo
• Cost Breakdown: System Cost - $24,802
• Price per Watt: $2.78
• Savings: Monthly Savings - $150
• Payback Period: 11.6 years
• 25-Year Savings: $65,556

Get Your Personalized Quote

Key Takeaways

• Charlotte homeowners can save around $66,000 over 25 years with solar, while offsetting decades of rising electricity costs that have climbed roughly 25% since 2021.
• North Carolina incentives still make solar worthwhile, including a 100% property tax exemption and net metering credits from utilities like Duke Energy.
• Leasing lets you go solar with no upfront cost, so Palmetto handles maintenance and passes tax savings through lower monthly payments starting around $103.

Charlotte Electricity Prices

Electricity prices here have risen steadily in recent years.

North Carolina residential electricity rates grew about 25%, from 11.3 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents per kWh in 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration—still below the national average of 16.5 cents.

Price of Energy: North Carolina vs National Average

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Energy Information Administration, Form 861

Charlotte Area Utility Providers

Most Charlotte homes get power from Duke Energy or EnergyUnited. In 2023, their rates were about 11.9¢ and 11.7¢ per kWh—both below the North Carolina average of 12.9¢ and well under the 16.0¢ national average.

Charlotte Utilities Electricity Rates

Source: US Energy Information Administration, 2023, Form 861, Table 6

North Carolina Solar Incentives

Several solar incentives in North Carolina can help offset the cost of solar installation in Charlotte, NC.

Ready to start saving with solar?

Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with North Carolina incentives.

Charlotte Solar Irradiance

Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.

Solar Production in Charlotte by Month

What Can Your Solar System Power?

Summer Production (July)

In July, your 10 kW system could power:

• 3.0 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
• or Run central AC for 15 hours AND power all other appliances
• or Fully charge 4.5 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles

Winter Production (December)

In December, your 10 kW system could power:

• 1.8 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
• or Keep your home heating system running for 13 hours
• or Fully charge 2.8 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles

Solar Panel Systems in Charlotte

We’ve mapped solar installations across the country, right down to the neighborhood level. Explore the interactive map below to see how many Charlotte homes have switched to solar.

Leasing Solar Panels

Charlotte homes are served primarily by Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress, which means solar leasing is available in the area. With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount instead of purchasing your system outright, so you can go solar without a large upfront cost.

Leasing differs from a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), where you’d pay a set price per kilowatt-hour instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Charlotte, NC have net metering?

Yes. Charlotte homes served by Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress have access to net metering.

Do solar panels increase your home value in Charlotte, NC?

Yes—when you own the system. Purchased solar panels can raise your Charlotte home’s value.

How much does it cost to go solar in Charlotte, NC?

With LightReach leasing, Charlotte homeowners can go solar for a low fixed monthly payment starting around $103/month—with no upfront cost.

How does leasing solar work and what’s the approximate cost in Charlotte, NC?

With a solar lease, you pay one fixed monthly amount instead of buying the system upfront. In Charlotte, a typical 8.92 kW system runs about $103/month with no upfront cost.

Does solar make sense in Charlotte, NC?

Yes, solar generally makes sense in Charlotte. The area averages 5.2 peak sun hours per day, and North Carolina electricity rates have climbed about 25% since 2021.

What’s the best solar company in Charlotte, NC?

At Palmetto, we pair a national footprint with a local focus.

Is solar worth it financially?

For many Charlotte homeowners, solar makes financial sense—especially with leasing.