SunPower and Carolina Solar Energy are the top-rated installers in Cary by permit volume at City of Cary-Wake Building Standards. System pricing here lands in a competitive range — note that the federal residential Section 25D tax credit (IRS) expired for homeowner purchases after December 31, 2025, so no federal credit reduces the purchase price; however, if you choose a lease or PPA, the installer may claim the 30% commercial Section 48E credit and pass savings through as a lower rate. Comparing their itemized quotes on labor, equipment, and permit fees surfaces $500–$2,000 in cost differences at this system size.
Cary, North Carolina: 2026 Market Data
📊 LOCAL MARKET DATA
- Average system size: sized to your usage
- Typical system cost (2026): the 30% federal residential credit (§25D) expired Dec 31, 2025 for a purchase; a lease or PPA still captures it via §48E
- Net metering: full retail
- State tax credit: 0%
- Federal residential credit (§25D): expired for purchases after Dec 31, 2025; lease/PPA still gets 30% via §48E
- Median household income: mid-range for the area
Data from U.S. Census Bureau, DSIRE, NREL
Solar Installation Costs in Cary: 2026
Cary's mix of newer single-family homes and strong household incomes makes rooftop solar a popular upgrade across the Research Triangle. If you're considering going solar in Cary, it helps to know what local homeowners are actually paying. The average residential solar system here is sized to your home's energy use and available roof space. An important change affects 2026 buyers: the 30% federal residential solar tax credit, known as the ITC and governed by Section 25D (IRS), expired for homeowner-purchased systems installed after December 31, 2025. A system you purchase and install in 2026 earns no federal credit under Section 25D. If you instead choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), the installer or third-party owner can still claim the 30% commercial credit under Section 48E (IRS) — provided construction begins before July 4, 2026, or the system is in service by December 31, 2027 — and may pass those savings through as a lower rate. Keep in mind that North Carolina currently has no state solar tax credit, so understanding which financing path you take is especially important for your overall economics. One factor that makes Cary attractive for solar is net metering at full retail rate, meaning the excess energy your panels send back to the grid is credited at the same rate you'd pay for electricity. With a mid-range household income in the area, the upfront investment is a meaningful decision worth planning carefully. Because solar pricing varies by roof, energy use, and equipment, it's smart to gather several quotes before committing. Read the fine print on any contract or financing offer, ask how federal and state incentives apply to your specific situation, and consider speaking with a qualified tax professional to confirm what you may qualify for. This is general information, not tax advice.
The Real Out-of-Pocket Number for Cary Homeowners Going Solar
The sticker price on a quote is not what you actually pay, and that distinction trips up a lot of Cary homeowners. It's important to understand that the 30% federal residential solar tax credit under Section 25D (IRS) expired for homeowner-purchased systems installed after December 31, 2025, so a 2026 purchase earns no federal credit. If you instead go with a solar lease or PPA, the installer can still claim the 30% commercial credit under Section 48E and often passes those savings through as a lower rate — but you won't own the system. For most households here, the genuine number to budget for a purchase is the full installed cost once you account for the absence of a federal credit, though state and utility incentives still apply. How you finance it changes the math too. Paying cash gets you the lowest lifetime cost, while solar loans spread payments out so your monthly note often lands near or below what you currently send Duke Energy. The key thing Cary buyers should watch is the dealer fee baked into many zero-down loan products, which can quietly add several thousand dollars. Always ask installers to show you the cash price alongside the financed price. When you compare those side by side, you'll see the true cost of borrowing and can decide whether the convenience is worth it. This is general information, not tax advice.