Net metering is one of the most important benefits of going solar. It allows you to receive credit for the excess electricity your system generates and sends back to the grid. Those credits can help offset your usage during times when your panels are not producing, such as at night or on cloudy days.
In North Carolina, changes to utility policies have adjusted how those credits work, making it essential for homeowners and businesses to stay up to date. At Cape Fear Solar Systems, we guide customers through these policies to ensure their investment in solar delivers maximum value.
This guide explains what net metering is, how it works in NC, and what you need to know moving forward.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement between solar customers and their utility provider. When your panels generate more electricity than your home or business is using, that surplus energy flows back to the grid. In return, your utility issues credits on your bill.
Those credits reduce your costs when your system isn’t producing as much power, like at night or during high-demand periods. This balance helps solar customers maximize their return on investment while supporting a cleaner energy grid.
It’s important to note that the exact value of those credits is determined by your utility’s rate schedule, which can vary depending on your provider and chosen plan.
Learn more about net metering basics from the U.S. Department of Energy.
How Net Metering Works in North Carolina
In North Carolina, net metering is offered through most utilities, but at different rates of return. Here are the key points:
- Credit value: Under Duke Energy’s current structure, excess generation is credited at either the retail rate (what you pay for electricity) or an adjusted rate, depending on the plan you select.
- True-up process: Credits are reconciled monthly. If your system produces more than you consume, those excess credits are applied at a lower rate. They can offset future charges, sometimes eliminating your bill entirely or creating a negative balance that rolls into the next month.
- Rollover: There is no longer an annual reset with Duke. Credits lower the monthly bill, and a negative balance, if any, is rolled over to the following months.
Explore residential solar options to learn more about solar for your home.
Recent Changes to Net Metering Rules
In 2023–2024, Duke Energy introduced updated net metering programs, including time-of-use (TOU) plans. These plans vary the value of electricity depending on when it is used or exported to the grid. Power generated during peak hours may be more valuable than energy sent back during off-peak times.
For customers who installed systems before the policy change, Duke offered “bridge rates” to help transition to the new structure. For new customers, the Net Metering Bridge Rate remains available until January 1, 2027, though capacity limits do apply. After that date, TOU rates will become the default for new solar customers.
These updates may slightly change the payback period for solar investments, but with smart design and the right plan, solar remains one of the best long-term strategies for reducing energy costs in North Carolina.
See Duke Energy’s current NC net metering policies here.
Net Metering for Businesses
Commercial solar customers can also benefit from net metering, though rates and program caps may differ. For businesses, system sizing and usage analysis are especially important to ensure credits are maximized without oversizing the array.
Cape Fear Solar works closely with businesses to design systems that meet energy goals, reduce operating costs, and stay compliant with utility requirements.
Learn about how we support commercial solar projects across the Carolinas.
How to Maximize Your Net Metering Benefits
Homeowners and businesses can make the most of net metering in North Carolina with a few key strategies:
- Right-size your system. Avoid oversizing or undersizing by aligning production with actual energy usage.
- Consider battery storage. Batteries allow you to use more of your own solar power directly and reduce reliance on the grid.
- Take advantage of TOU rates. If paired with a battery, TOU plans can be leveraged to minimize costs during peak demand hours.
- Monitor system performance. Regular monitoring ensures your system is producing as expected and that you’re capturing every credit available.
FAQs About Net Metering in NC
Will my credits roll over month to month?
Yes. For Duke Energy customers, credits typically roll over monthly, sometimes reducing or even eliminating the minimum bill charge.
Can I cash out my excess credits?
Not under the current NC policy. Credits reduce your future bills but are not paid out in cash.
Is net metering guaranteed to stay the same?
No. Net metering policies can change. That’s why it’s critical to work with a trusted installer who stays on top of state and utility updates.
Make Net Metering Work for You
Net metering remains a valuable incentive for solar customers in North Carolina, even with recent changes. The key is understanding how the credits apply to your home or business and designing a system that takes full advantage.
At Cape Fear Solar Systems, we help homeowners and businesses navigate the details of NC net metering policies and install systems built for long-term savings.
Ready to maximize your solar investment? Contact us to schedule a consultation.