How much is the North Carolina heat pump rebate in 2026?

North Carolina homeowners can get up to $8,000 through Energy Saver NC (HEAR program, income-qualified below 150% AMI) plus $500–$1,000 from Duke Energy Smart Saver. These can be stacked for maximum savings.

Can I stack Energy Saver NC with Duke Energy rebates?

Yes. Duke Energy Smart Saver rebates and Energy Saver NC rebates can be combined, as long as the total does not exceed the project cost. For a Duke customer below 80% AMI, combining both programs can cover the full cost of a heat pump installation.

Are federal energy tax credits available in North Carolina in 2026?

No. The federal 25C and 25D tax credits expired December 31, 2025. North Carolina's Energy Saver NC and Duke Energy rebate programs remain active and are larger than the federal credits were for most households.

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17 Programs Verified · First State with Full HEAR + HOMES Statewide Coverage

North Carolina Energy Rebates 2026–2027

Q: What is Energy Saver NC?

Energy Saver NC is North Carolina's state rebate program administered by NC DEQ State Energy Office. It launched in January 2025 and reached all 100 counties by February 2026, offering HEAR rebates up to $8,000 for heat pumps and HOMES rebates up to $16,000 for whole-home upgrades.

North Carolina was the first state to launch both HEAR and HOMES rebates in all 100 counties. With Energy Saver NC up to $8,000 for heat pumps plus Duke Energy up to $1,000, NC offers some of the most stackable incentives in the Southeast.

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Programs available

$8,000

Max heat pump (HEAR)

$16,000

Max whole-home (HOMES)

$208M

NC state allocation

North Carolina Energy Rebates Overview

North Carolina has one of the most fully built-out residential energy incentive programs in the Southeast. The state program, branded Energy Saver NC and administered by the NC DEQ State Energy Office, launched in January 2025 and reached all 100 counties by February 2026 — making NC the first state to offer both HEAR and HOMES rebates statewide.

Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress, which serve the majority of NC homes, offer additional Smart Saver rebates that stack with Energy Saver NC programs. For households below 80% AMI, combining all programs can cover the entire cost of a heat pump installation.

⚠ Federal Tax Credits Expired

The federal 25C and 25D credits expired December 31, 2025. However, NC's $208 million state allocation through Energy Saver NC is larger than what the federal credits provided for most households. State and utility programs are now the primary incentive source.

How to Stack NC Rebates for Maximum Savings

Below 80% AMI — Duke Energy customer

Energy Saver NC HEAR $8,000 + Duke Energy $1,000 = full heat pump covered at zero cost

Up to $9,000+

80–150% AMI — Duke Energy customer

Energy Saver NC HEAR $4,000–8,000 (50% cost share) + Duke Energy $1,000

Up to $5,500

Above 150% AMI — Duke Energy customer

Duke Energy Smart Saver $500–$1,000 (no income requirement)

Up to $1,000

Any NC homeowner — water heater

Energy Saver NC HEAR $1,750 + Duke Energy $500–$800

Up to $2,550

All 17 North Carolina Programs (2026–2027)

Data sourced from Rewiring America API · Verified July 2026 · Confirm current amounts at energysavernc.org and duke-energy.com

Program	Applies To	Benefit	Income
Energy Saver NC — HEAR Heat Pump Rebate NC DEQ / Energy Saver NC · Rebate View Official Program →	Heat pump	Up to $8,000	Below 150% AMI
Energy Saver NC — HOMES Whole-Home Rebate NC DEQ / Energy Saver NC · Rebate View Official Program →	Whole-home upgrades	Up to $16,000	Low income (80% AMI)
Energy Saver NC — HEAR Heat Pump Water Heater NC DEQ / Energy Saver NC · Rebate View Official Program →	Heat pump water heater	Up to $1,750	Below 150% AMI
Energy Saver NC — HEAR Insulation NC DEQ / Energy Saver NC · Rebate View Official Program →	Insulation, Air Sealing	Up to $1,600	Below 150% AMI
Duke Energy Smart Saver — Heat Pump (Standard) Duke Energy Carolinas / Progress · Rebate View Official Program →	Heat pump (replacing existing)	$500	All Duke Energy customers
Duke Energy Smart Saver — Heat Pump (Strip Heat) Duke Energy Carolinas / Progress · Rebate View Official Program →	Heat pump (replacing electric strip)	$1,000	All Duke Energy customers
Duke Energy Smart Saver — HPWH (50 gal) Duke Energy · Rebate	Heat pump water heater (50 gal)	$500	All Duke Energy customers
Duke Energy Smart Saver — HPWH (80 gal) Duke Energy · Rebate	Heat pump water heater (80 gal)	$800	All Duke Energy customers
Duke Energy Smart Saver — Central AC Duke Energy · Rebate	Central air conditioner	$300–$500	All Duke Energy customers
Duke Energy Smart Saver — Insulation Duke Energy · Rebate	Attic insulation	Up to $400	All Duke Energy customers
Piedmont Electric — Heat Pump Rebate Piedmont Electric · Rebate	Heat pump	Up to $600/system	Piedmont Electric members
Blue Ridge Energy — Air Source Heat Pump Blue Ridge Energy · Rebate	Heat pump	$150–$250	Blue Ridge Energy members
Fayetteville PWC — Heat Pump Rebate Fayetteville PWC · Rebate	Heat pump	$250–$400	PWC customers
NC Weatherization Assistance Program NC DHHS · Assistance	Insulation, Air Sealing, HVAC	Free services	Low income (200% FPL)
Duke Energy Smart Saver — Smart Thermostat Duke Energy · Rebate	Smart thermostat	$50–$75	All Duke Energy customers
Energy Saver NC — HEAR Electric Panel NC DEQ · Rebate	Electrical panel upgrade	Up to $4,000	Below 150% AMI
Energy Saver NC — HEAR Electric Wiring NC DEQ · Rebate	Electrical wiring	Up to $2,500	Below 150% AMI

FAQ — North Carolina Energy Rebates

Is Energy Saver NC available in my county?

Yes — as of February 2026, Energy Saver NC is available in all 100 North Carolina counties. NC was the first state to bring both HEAR and HOMES rebates online statewide. Visit energysavernc.org to find a registered contractor near you.

Do I need to use a specific contractor?

Yes — Energy Saver NC rebates require installation by a registered contractor. Duke Energy rebates require a licensed, insured contractor and often a completed Home Energy Check. Self-installation does not qualify for state rebates.

How long does the NC rebate program last?

Energy Saver NC is funded through September 2031, but rebate funds are first-come, first-served. As of February 2026, 4,818 applications have been filed. Apply as early as possible, especially for HEAR programs which can run out of funding.

What's the difference between HEAR and HOMES in NC?

HEAR (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate) provides rebates for specific equipment like heat pumps (up to $8,000) and water heaters (up to $1,750). HOMES (Home Efficiency Rebates) provides up to $16,000 for whole-home energy improvements based on measured energy savings, available to households below 80% AMI.

North Carolina · 17 Programs Verified

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This guide is for educational purposes only. Program details change frequently. Always verify with energysavernc.org, duke-energy.com, or your local utility before starting a project. Data sourced from Rewiring America API and official program documentation, verified July 2026.