Skip to content
Plugshine

Plug-in solar in North Carolina

Not yet — a bill is moving in North Carolina

  • Companion bills HB 1129 and SB 957 introduced
  • In committee at last report (July 2026)

Last verified

Status
Bill advancing
Bill
HB 1129 / SB 957
Signed
—
Effective
—
Size cap
—
Avg. electricity rate
15.16¢/kWh (-17% vs US)

800 W kit · typical year

$143saved

Payback ≈ 6.3 yrs · ranks #37 of 51 for savings

North Carolina lawmakers filed companion bills — HB 1129 and SB 957 — to legalize plug-in solar. Both were in committee at last report.

North Carolina has good sunshine but below-average electricity prices, so payback would be moderate.

What plug-in solar is worth in North Carolina

North Carolina households pay an average of 15.16¢ per kWh, 17% below the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 4.7 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.

800 W kit (2 panels)

Saved per year
$143
Payback ($900 kit)
6.3 yr
Energy used
944 kWh/yr
25-year net
$2,679

1,200 W kit (max)

Saved per year
$215
Payback ($1,300 kit)
6.1 yr
Energy used
1,416 kWh/yr
25-year net
$4,068

Run your own numbers

Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.

800 W
80%

Plug-in systems aren't net-metered: surplus sent to the grid earns nothing. ~80% is typical without a battery; 95%+ with one.

Estimated savings · North Carolina

$143/ year

≈ $11.93 per month

Payback
6.3 yrs
Energy used
944 kWh/yr
25-year net
$2,679
CO₂ avoided
765 lb/yr

Monthly savings profile

Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.

What to do now

  1. 1Don't connect a grid-tied plug-in system yet — without a law, it may breach your utility agreement.
  2. 2Consider an off-grid setup in the meantime: a panel charging a portable power station is legal everywhere.
  3. 3Cut your bill today with no-cost measures — see our guide to lowering your electric bill.
  4. 4Contact your North Carolina state legislators: constituent support is what moved the 2026 bills.

North Carolina plug-in solar FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in North Carolina?

Not yet. A plug-in solar bill is moving through the legislature. Without a law, connecting a grid-tied plug-in system may violate your utility's interconnection rules. Off-grid setups (a panel charging a portable power station) are allowed everywhere.

How much can balcony solar save in North Carolina?

At North Carolina's average residential rate of 15.16¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 4.7 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $143 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 6.3 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.

What is the maximum plug-in solar size in North Carolina?

There is no North Carolina-specific cap yet. Most state laws settle on 1,200 W, the practical limit for a standard 15-amp, 120 V circuit.

Sources

Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official North Carolina sources and your utility.