North Carolina Energy Rebates 2026
North Carolina homeowners in 2026 can access federal HEAR and HOMES rebates administered by the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), plus utility rebates from Duke Energy's Smart Saver program (the state's largest utility). The 25C and 25D federal tax credits expired December 31, 2025. Duke Energy serves approximately 4 million customers across both Carolinas, making the Smart Saver program one of the most widely available utility rebate options in the state.
Program status and income limits on this page were last checked against official state and federal sources on . These programs change without notice.
HOMES Rebate Program in North Carolina
| Income Level | Max Rebate | Cost Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Low income (≤80% AMI) | Up to $8,000 | 80% of project cost |
| Moderate income (80-150% AMI) | Up to $4,000 | 50% of project cost |
| Above 150% AMI | Not eligible | N/A |
Energy Saver North Carolina launched both programs statewide and reached all 100 counties in February 2026. Applications are open on a first-come, first-served basis. “The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Energy Saver North Carolina program is now available in all 100 North Carolina counties” Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, State Energy Office.
Official HOMES Program PageHEAR (HEEHRA) Rebates in North Carolina
| Equipment | Max Rebate |
|---|---|
| Heat Pump HVAC | Up to $8,000 |
| Electrical Panel | Up to $4,000 |
| Wiring Upgrade | Up to $2,500 |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $1,750 |
| Insulation & Weatherization | Up to $1,600 |
| Electric Stove/Cooktop | Up to $840 |
Maximum total: $14,000 per household (low-income, ≤80% AMI). Moderate income (80-150% AMI) can receive up to $7,000.
Official HEAR Program PageFind Pre-Screened Installers in North Carolina
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North Carolina State Incentive Programs
NC Weatherization Assistance Program
Federally funded through the DOE WAP program and administered by NCDEQ, weatherization services are delivered through local community action agencies. Serves income-qualified households (typically at or below 200% of federal poverty level) with free insulation, air sealing, HVAC improvements, and health and safety upgrades.
Learn moreDuke Energy Smart Saver Program
Duke Energy's flagship residential rebate program covers heat pumps, smart thermostats, attic insulation, duct sealing, and heat pump water heaters. Available across Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress service territories, which cover the majority of North Carolina.
Learn moreUtility Rebate Programs in North Carolina
Area Median Income (AMI) in North Carolina
HOMES and HEAR rebate amounts depend on your household income relative to the Area Median Income in your area. AMI varies by county and household size.
| Area | 80% AMI (Family of 4) | 150% AMI (Family of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Mecklenburg County | $93,900 | $176,000 |
| Wake County | $105,850 | $198,400 |
| Guilford County | $73,200 | $137,200 |
| Durham County | $101,700 | $190,600 |
| Forsyth County | $76,250 | $142,900 |
| Buncombe County | $81,900 | $153,500 |
Eligibility is set by county and household size. The 80% figures are the HUD FY2026 income limits published for each county and are reproduced as-is. HUD does not publish a 150% limit, so that column is computed from the 80% limit; checked against Minnesota's official 2026 county table, the method lands within $200 on every county, but where your state publishes its own table, that table governs. Figures are for a 4-person household and change with household size.
Use Our Calculator to Check EligibilityBefore you spend money on this
Energy Rebate Calculator is an independent website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Energy, North Carolina, or any other government agency, and nothing on this page is an offer, an application, or a promise of payment.
Federal and state rebate programs launch, pause, change their amounts and run out of funds without notice, and eligibility rules differ by county, household size, housing type and sometimes by region within a state. Most programs also refuse to pay for work completed before their launch date. Figures here are published to help you understand roughly where you stand, not to be relied on as the final word.
Confirm your eligibility and the current terms directly with the administering agency, and get written confirmation, before you sign a contract or buy equipment. Where this page cites an official source, that source governs. If you spot something out of date on this page, tell us and we will correct it.
Data vintage. The rebate data on this page was last updated on . We publish this date so you can judge for yourself how current the figures are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What energy rebates are available in North Carolina in 2026?
Duke Energy Smart Saver in North Carolina currently offers rebates for HVAC and heat pump replacement, heat pump water heaters, insulation and air sealing. Confirm the current amounts, and whether a thermostat rebate still exists, at duke-energy.com/home/products/smart-saver.
Are federal tax credits still available in North Carolina?
No. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA, P.L. 119-21, signed July 4, 2025) terminated the Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and the Section 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit for installations after December 31, 2025. If you installed qualifying equipment before that date, you can still claim the credit on your 2025 tax return. For 2026 installations, HEAR and HOMES rebates are the primary federal incentive paths.
How do I check if I qualify for HOMES or HEAR rebates in North Carolina?
HEAR rebates use Area Median Income (AMI) thresholds. At or below 80% AMI: 100% of appliance cost covered up to the cap. Between 80–150% AMI: 50% of cost covered. Above 150% AMI: not eligible for HEAR but may qualify for HOMES based on energy savings performance. AMI limits vary by metro area, Charlotte-area 80% AMI is approximately $86,400 for a 4-person household; Raleigh-area is approximately $98,480. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate.
Can I combine Duke Energy rebates with HEAR in North Carolina?
Duke Energy Smart Saver rebates for heat pump and insulation upgrades can generally be combined with federal HEAR rebates in North Carolina. Confirm the current Smart Saver amounts at duke-energy.com/home/products/smart-saver before relying on a specific combined total.
Does North Carolina have any state-level energy tax credits in 2026?
No. North Carolina does not currently have a state income tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements. The primary incentive paths in 2026 are federal HEAR and HOMES rebates (administered by NCDEQ) and Duke Energy's Smart Saver utility rebate program.
How to Claim Your North Carolina Rebates
