What’s the Rush?
If you have considered solar, you are probably aware of the deadlines, tax credits, and why this year matters.
So here is the real question: Is it actually worth rushing to install solar before the end of 2025?
Short answer: yes.
Longer answer: definitely yes. You want to make the most of the solar tax credit NC homeowners can only claim by getting solar in 2025.
Here is why acting now makes a real difference.
It’s Not Only the Federal Tax Credit
The 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is getting the most attention, and for good reason. It is the biggest federal incentive still on the table for homeowners. But if you live in North Carolina, there are more opportunities that can stack on it, making 2025 the right time to act.
Net Metering Is Changing
Duke Energy’s original net metering plan gave homeowners credit for extra energy sent back to the grid. That setup has changed. Now, most new solar customers are on what Duke calls the Residential Solar Choice plan. You still get credit for the extra energy your system sends back to the grid, but it is not worth as much as it used to be. And how much you earn depends on when your system is producing power.
If your system is installed before 2027, there is still a chance to qualify for the older, better credit system. But once that window closes, it is gone for good.
It is not all bad news, though. That same Residential Solar Choice program also works with certain setups, like solar leases or programs that bundle battery storage, such as PowerPair. In those cases, you may not have to buy the system at all. Instead, you pay a predictable monthly fee for the solar energy you use. It is a simpler option, and for some homeowners, it can be a more affordable path to solar.
Solar for All Programs Will Expand Access
If your household meets the income requirements, the Solar for All initiative could make going solar even more affordable. This federal program is designed to help more families access clean energy, and it runs through 2029. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of qualifying while funding is available.
Whether you are a homeowner in Cary or elsewhere in the Triangle, solar incentives help make your system more affordable, and the sooner you take advantage of them, the more you can save.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
When it comes to solar, right now, waiting has a cost. Here is what that looks like:
- After 2025, the 30% federal solar tax credit significantly decreases
- Better net metering terms expire if you wait too long
- Installers’ calendars are nearly full due to these changes.
If you believe solar is something you want to do, a year like 2025 may be the last to offer these big of stackable discounts. You will lock in the biggest incentives, avoid the year-end scramble, and start seeing the return on your system sooner.
Ready to Run the Numbers?
Curious what this could look like for your home?
Give us a call at (919) 459-4155 or click here; we would be happy to walk you through it.
