Solar Payback Calculator North Carolina – 6 kW System
Estimate your solar panel payback in North Carolina: a 6 kW system at 4.8 peak-sun hours and $0.14/kWh, with local incentives. Runs 100% in your browser.
Runs locally in your browser — no upload, no trackingTry: System size=6, Peak sun hours=4.8, Performance ratio (0–1)=0.85, Electricity rate=0.14, Installed cost=2.8, Federal ITC=30, State incentive=0, Annual elec. price rise=0.03, Net metering credit (0–1)=0.9 → 8,935 kWh/yr, $1,126/yr, $11,760, 10.4 years, $41,047
How to use
North Carolina has strong net metering at retail rate and good sun; Duke Energy's programs have shifted toward upfront rebates and a separate export rate. This page pre-fills a 6 kW system with North Carolina's 4.8 peak-sun hours, $0.14/kWh rate and a net metering credit of 0.9. Adjust the system size, installed cost and federal ITC, then press Calculate.
The simple payback divides your net cost (after the 30% federal ITC) by your first-year savings. Because electricity prices usually rise, the 25-year total understates your real savings if you leave the 3% default in place.
FAQ
What is the solar payback period in North Carolina?
It depends on system size, your 0.14/kWh rate and local incentives, but North Carolina's 4.8 peak-sun hours make a 6 kW system produce roughly 8,935 kWh a year. Enter your details above for the exact break-even year.