If you live in North Hills and you’re planning a heat pump, new windows, or even solar with a battery, 2025 is a great year to move. There is real money on the table from federal tax credits, North Carolina’s new Energy Saver NC rebates, and Duke Energy programs. You want a clear plan that pairs the right upgrade with the right incentive so you save more and avoid surprises at tax time. This guide shows you what is available, who qualifies, and how to stack benefits for a North Hills home. Let’s dive in.

What you can claim now

• Federal tax credits: the 30 percent Residential Clean Energy Credit for solar and batteries, and the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit for heat pumps, insulation, windows, doors, and audits. See IRS guidance.
• State rebates: Energy Saver NC launched January 16, 2025 with large rebates for low and moderate income households, including whole-home retrofits and electrification. Review the DEQ program launch.
• Utility incentives: Duke Energy’s Smart $aver rebates for HVAC, insulation, and heat pump water heaters, plus the PowerPair solar-plus-battery pilot and a free Home Energy House Call assessment. Check Duke’s Smart $aver page.

Federal tax credits

Residential Clean Energy Credit

You can claim 30 percent of qualified costs for solar, battery storage, and other clean energy systems placed in service through 2032. Installation labor typically qualifies. There is no annual dollar cap, and unused credits may carry forward under IRS rules. Be aware that some utility or vendor rebates can reduce the cost basis used to calculate your credit. Review details on the IRS clean energy credit page.

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit

This credit equals 30 percent of eligible costs with annual caps. You can claim up to $1,200 per year for many envelope upgrades and smaller energy property, with sublimits for windows and doors. You can also claim up to $2,000 per year for qualifying heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. Starting in 2025, some items must be from qualified manufacturers and a QMID may be required on your return. See the IRS EEHIC page for eligibility, timing, and documentation.

Energy Saver NC rebates

North Carolina’s Energy Saver NC combines the federal HOMES and HEAR programs and is focused on low and moderate income households. It launched January 16, 2025 with rebates delivered at the point of sale or after purchase. The HOMES track can pay up to $16,000 per eligible single-family home for whole-home energy savings. The HEAR track has item caps up to $14,000 total, including examples like up to $8,000 for a whole-home heat pump, up to $1,750 for a heat pump water heater, and up to $4,000 for an electrical panel upgrade. The program rolled out in phases and typically requires qualified contractors and an assessment. See the DEQ launch announcement for amounts and eligibility.

Duke Energy incentives in North Hills

Smart $aver home improvements

Duke’s Smart $aver program offers rebates for air-source heat pumps, central AC, heat pump water heaters, insulation and air sealing, duct sealing, smart thermostats, and pool pumps. You usually need a participating contractor, and they often submit the rebate for you. Duke increased several residential incentives for 2025. For example, recent program materials have shown tiered rebates for heat pump water heaters, such as $500 for a qualifying 50-gallon unit and $800 for an 80-gallon ENERGY STAR unit. Always verify current amounts on the Smart $aver page and see Duke’s 2025 update in this release.

PowerPair solar plus battery pilot

Duke’s PowerPair pilot provides upfront incentives for paired solar and battery systems. Public materials have cited up to $3,600 for solar and up to $5,400 for the battery, for a potential total up to $9,000, subject to capacity and enrollment rules. Participants may opt into programs where the utility can dispatch the battery in exchange for bill credits. Availability is limited, and applications may require reservations through approved installers. Learn more in Duke’s PowerPair pilot announcement.

Free Home Energy House Call

Duke’s free Home Energy House Call is a basic energy assessment that can highlight quick wins and may include kit items. Duke also expanded some income-qualified weatherization and HVAC replacement incentives for 2025. See program changes in Duke’s 2025 incentives release.

Weatherization help in Wake County

If you meet income qualifications, the Weatherization Assistance Program can deliver energy audits and weatherization work like insulation, air sealing, and duct work at no cost. In Wake County, services are delivered by local providers such as Resources for Seniors. Start with the state overview for eligibility, then connect with local providers. See the NC Division of Social Services energy assistance overview and the Resources for Seniors weatherization page.

Stack incentives the smart way

• Confirm federal eligibility for your chosen upgrade, then save invoices, model numbers, and any required manufacturer IDs. Some rebates reduce the federal credit basis, so keep documents that show both gross and net costs. Consult a tax professional before filing.
• Use participating contractors for Duke and Energy Saver NC where required. Many programs ask the contractor to submit your rebate.
• Secure limited-capacity incentives early. PowerPair enrollment and state rebate waitlists can fill quickly.
• Time projects with your tax year. You claim credits in the year the equipment is placed in service.

Solar rules in Raleigh

Net metering changed in 2023

North Carolina updated net metering on October 1, 2023. New residential customers choose from revised options such as Residential Solar Choice with time-of-use rates or a limited bridge rate. These changes affect export credits and can influence whether a battery makes sense. Review the NC Public Staff’s net metering summary.

Property tax treatment

State rules provide limited or partial exemptions so many residential solar systems do not increase property taxes. Always confirm with the Wake County tax assessor for your property. For an overview, see this summary of North Carolina’s solar property tax treatment.

North Hills upgrade paths

• Heat pump conversion: Replace an older HVAC system with a high-efficiency heat pump, add insulation and air sealing. Potential savings with Duke Smart $aver, Energy Saver NC for income-qualified households, and the federal EEHIC.
• Heat pump water heater: Swap your conventional tank for a heat pump water heater. Look for Smart $aver rebates and the federal EEHIC. Income-qualified owners can explore Energy Saver NC caps.
• Solar plus battery: Pair rooftop solar with a battery to optimize against time-of-use rates. Consider Duke’s PowerPair pilot alongside the 30 percent Residential Clean Energy Credit.

Ready to plan your upgrade?

Your North Hills home can run cleaner and cost less to operate when you line up the right incentives. If you want a second set of eyes on which improvements will add value for resale, I can connect you with trusted local contractors and help you time upgrades with your move. Reach out to Eric Mikus for local guidance tailored to your home and goals.

FAQs

What federal tax credits can North Hills homeowners use in 2025?

• The 30 percent Residential Clean Energy Credit for solar and batteries, and the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, windows, doors, and audits.

How do North Carolina Energy Saver NC rebates work for Raleigh homes?

• Energy Saver NC provides point-of-sale or post-purchase rebates for low and moderate income households, with up to $16,000 for whole-home performance and itemized HEAR caps up to $14,000.

Can I stack Duke Energy rebates with federal credits on a heat pump?

• Often yes, but some rebates reduce the federal credit basis, so keep detailed invoices and confirm the calculation with your contractor and tax professional.

What changed with solar net metering in North Carolina?

• As of October 1, 2023, new customers choose from updated options that use time-of-use pricing or a bridge rate, which can affect solar savings and the value of adding a battery.

Is there weatherization help for income-qualified households in Wake County?

• Yes, the Weatherization Assistance Program delivers audits and upgrades at no cost for eligible households through local providers such as Resources for Seniors.