The 2026 Raleigh Wealth Report
Attention Duke Energy customers: Grid instability is creating a massive arbitrage opportunity. Claim the PowerPair Pilot before funds are depleted.
Avg Grid Rate
$0.14/kWh
▲ 12% vs 2024
Local Incentive
PowerPair Pilot
Status: ACTIVE
Solar Viability
OPTIMAL
240+ Sunny Days
Why Raleigh is a "Gold Mine" for Solar in 2026
Most homeowners in Raleigh are passively paying $0.14 to Duke Energy. They are losing money every month. The "Supercycle" strategy for NC residents is simple:
- Step 1: Stop renting your power. Own it.
- Step 2: Install a battery to capture the PowerPair Pilot (Value: Up to $9,000).
- Step 3: Sell power back to the grid during peak heat waves when rates spike.
Insider Tip:
Duke Energy rates have historically risen by 4-6% annually. By locking in your hardware cost today (minus the 30% Federal Tax Credit), you are essentially freezing your energy bill for 25 years.
The Duke Energy "PowerPair" Opportunity
Raleigh homeowners are sitting on one of the most lucrative incentives in the United States. Duke Energy's PowerPair program is a pilot designed to test a "Virtual Power Plant" concept.
The Deal: Install Solar + Battery at the same time, and Duke will cut you a check for up to $9,000 (approx $3,600 for solar + $5,400 for the battery). This is a limited-capacity pilot program.
The Wealth Stack (NC Edition)
- Duke PowerPair: Claim your ~$9,000 upfront rebate.
- Federal ITC (30%): Apply the 30% tax credit to the remaining cost.
- Net Metering Bridge: NC's "Bridge Rate" allows you to lock in favorable export rates for 15 years, but only if you act during the 2026 window.
Warning:
Duke Energy operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis for PowerPair. Wait lists are already forming in Wake County.
Check Your Raleigh Eligibility
See if your specific property qualifies for the PowerPair Pilot and Federal ITC.
Rebate Eligibility Scanner
Check your qualification status for the 2026 Federal & State Programs.