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Incentives & Rebates

Incentives & Rebates
There are numerous incentives, rebates, grants, and loan programs available to builders and those who purchase new construction with solar energy features. Skyward will help you through the process of selecting and applying for any applicable incentives. Plus, we'll help you run calculations on what a solar energy system will cost upfront—and after any rebates or tax credits.

Applicable Incentives
Note that regardless of who can claim the incentive—the builder or the buyer—it ultimately lowers the cost of the system, benefiting both parties.

IncentivesResidential & Commercial
Federal Tax Credit Yes Maybe Yes Maybe
Federal Rebate Option No Maybe Yes Maybe
State Tax Credit Yes Maybe Yes Maybe
Net Metering Yes No Yes No
NC Greenpower Rebates Yes No Yes No
Green Power Switch Payments Yes No Yes No
USDA Rural Energy for America Program Grants No No Yes No
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) No No Yes Maybe
Bonus Depreciation No No Yes No
North Carolina Green Business Fund No Maybe Yes Maybe
The Energy Improvement Loan Program No Maybe Yes Maybe
Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction No No Yes Maybe
SunSense Commercial PV Incentive Program No Maybe Yes Maybe
Permit Fee Wavers No Yes No Yes
Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders No Yes No No
Skyward Solar

FOR BUILDERS

North Carolina Green Business Grants
Grants of up to $100,000 are available for the development of commercial innovations and applications in sustainable building practices and private sector investment in renewable energy technologies. Grants in the green building sector may be awarded for innovation in areas of installation, certification, or distribution of green building materials. North Carolina-based businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 100 employees, as well as state and local governmental entities, are generally eligible.

Permit fee waivers
North Carolina allows all counties and cities to provide reductions or partial rebates for building permit fees to builders who meet standards set by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the Green Globes program, or other recognized certification programs.

Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders
Site-built homes qualify for a $2,000 federal tax credit if they are certified to reduce heating and cooling energy consumption by 50 percent relative to the International Energy Conservation Code standard and meet minimum efficiency standards established by the Department of Energy. Building envelope component improvements must account for at least one-fifth of the reduction in energy consumption.

FOR BUYERS
The biggest incentives are available directly to the consumer.
ArrowSee what's available to homebuyers.
ArrowLearn about incentives for commercial property buyers.