Plug-In Solar in North Carolina — Legislation Pending
Bill: HB 1129 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Rep. Tricia Cotham
Legislative Status: HB 1129 introduced and active. Referred to House Public Utilities and Energy Committee. North Carolina Legislature meets year-round.
Current Status: Active — In Committee (2026)
Last Updated: May 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 13.8¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $175/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 4¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.8 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from NCUC interconnection requirements. Prohibits utilities from charging extra fees.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | Not specified in bill text |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200 watts |
| UL 3700 | not_mentioned — UL or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory certification required |
| HOA Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Renter Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Utility Approval | Waived |
| Permit Required | Not addressed |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Not explicitly addressed. |
| Key Differences | HB 1129 is the first plug-in solar bill introduced in the Southeast. North Carolina has strong existing solar capacity and favorable solar resources. |
| Notable Omissions | Does not address HOA restrictions, renter rights, net metering, or building permits. |
What You Can Do
No specific plug-in solar law yet. North Carolina has strong solar industry. Duke Energy Carolinas offers net metering.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Utilities require interconnection agreements for grid-tied systems. HB 1129 would change this if enacted.
Available Rebates & Incentives
North Carolina offers a 35% state corporate tax credit for solar (capped at $10,500); the personal income tax credit expired in 2015. Net metering available through Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- DSIRE — North Carolina Solar Incentives — Full list of North Carolina state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 10,835,491 |
| Total Households | 3,926,000 |
| Owner-Occupied | 2,728,000 |
| Renter-Occupied | 1,198,000 |
| Single-Family Homes | 2,267,890 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 364,103 |
| Median Household Income | $67,481 |
| Median Home Value | $240,900 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 5.13 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1118 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May, April, July |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Duke Energy Carolinas | ~2.5 million customers | Yes |
| Duke Energy Progress | ~1.8 million customers | Yes |
| Dominion Energy North Carolina | ~130000 customers | Yes |