North Carolina solar kits

Solar power is nothing new to the state of North Carolina. Alternative energy projects have been sponsored by the state as far back as 1981; and by 1984 North Carolina State University’s “Solar house” had received the U.S. Department of Energy’s award for energy innovation. Since that time, the state has produced numerous programs designed to stimulate the use of solar power and other alternative energy sources by its residents and businesses.

There are a variety of tax incentives and rebates available to residents of North Carolina who choose to install solar kits in their homes. State law allows any municipality to reduce or eliminate any building or permit fees when the homeowner chooses to install solar panels for electricity or hot water applications. These reductions vary from county to county, but have proven an effective way to help lower the costs for the homeowner.

In addition to fee waivers, there is also a personal tax credit available to homeowners that choose to install solar kits in their home. This tax credit is applicable to any use of solar energy, including the use of solar panels for the production of electricity and hot water, and can cover up to 35% of the total cost of purchasing and installing this equipment. Depending on the technology, this credit can save the homeowner up to $10,500 towards the cost of a solar energy system. Furthermore, an amendment to this program in 2007 allows a taxpayer to claim additional tax credits for any donation made to a non-profit renewable energy project.

Many counties within North Carolina also offer rebates for energy efficient upgrades to your home. Installing solar panels for hot water applications are available in most counties, but the amount of rebate can differ. The state also offers net-metering programs that allow the consumer to sell back power in the form of credits on future power usage.

Solar companies throughout North Carolina can not only help you design and install your solar panels, but they can also help point out any state and federally sponsored programs for which you might qualify. Many of these companies have experts that can come to your home and help you put together solar kits that are designed for your specific needs. They can build systems that can be used for both electricity and hot water requirements, and often offer warranties that last for decades.

North Carolina solar companies can also help architects and builders design homes that use both passive and active solar energy to create a more efficient home. Building homes with a southerly orientation allows them to take advantage of the natural sunlight for both heating and illumination. Combine this with properly designed solar kits and other energy conservation techniques, and the result is a home that operates at a fraction of the cost of your conventionally built home.

As our natural resources become more depleted and more expensive, it is important to find alternative sources of energy. Solar energy, when properly harnessed, can provide most of the electricity needed by the average home. North Carolina has a history of making the most out of solar power, and will undoubtedly continue this strategy in the future.