Claire WhitakerBy Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

Duke’s net metering program lets homeowners with rooftop solar send unused electricity to the grid and receive credit against the power they draw later. In this guide you will learn what the program covers, how credits are calculated, and what to check before you sign up with Duke Energy.

How the Duke Net Metering Program Works

Your solar system produces electricity during the day. When production exceeds what your home uses, the extra flows through your meter onto Duke’s grid. At night or on cloudy days, you draw power from the grid as usual. Net metering nets these two flows together over a billing period so you pay only for the difference. The general concept is explained in What Is Solar Net Metering? A Homeowner's Guide to Credits (2026), and Duke’s version builds on that framework.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Duke Net Metering Program (2026): Which Should You Choose?.

Duke’s program is a bidirectional arrangement. A single meter records both imported and exported kilowatt-hours, and your bill reflects the net result. If you export more than you import in a month, the surplus typically carries forward as a credit rather than disappearing.

Understanding Your Credits and Rates

Credits depend on the rate schedule your account is on and the terms in effect when your system was approved. Duke has revised its residential solar terms over time, so the rules that applied to an earlier installation may differ from those for a newer one. Review Duke Net Metering Changes: What Solar Homeowners Need to Know (2026) to see how recent changes affect your credits.

  1. Confirm your service rate and whether it includes time-of-use pricing.
  2. Find your interconnection agreement, which states your export terms.
  3. Check whether your excess generation carries forward month to month.
  4. Note any annual true-up date when unused credits are settled.

Eligibility and Setup Steps

To participate, your system must be sized within the program’s limits and approved through Duke’s interconnection process before you energize it. Expect to submit system specifications, a single-line diagram, and proof of equipment certification. Once approved, Duke installs or verifies a bidirectional meter. Program details, including which option suits your home, are covered in Duke Energy Net Metering Program: How It Works and How to Get Credited.

Step What to do
1 Size your system and confirm it fits program limits
2 Submit the interconnection application to Duke
3 Wait for written approval before installation goes live
4 Schedule the meter change and inspection
5 Review your first bill to confirm credits posted

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Energizing the system before receiving Duke’s written approval.
  • Assuming all past credit rules still apply after a rate change.
  • Ignoring the true-up date and losing unused credits.
  • Choosing a rate plan without comparing time-of-use periods.

FAQ

Does Duke pay cash for excess solar power?

Generally, excess generation is applied as credits on your account rather than paid as cash. Any remaining balance at the true-up date may be settled according to your agreement.

Can I keep my existing net metering terms if Duke changes its rules?

Customers approved under earlier terms often keep those terms for a set period, but this depends on your interconnection date. Check your agreement or contact Duke directly.

Do I need a professional to set up a home solar system for Duke?

Installation and wiring should be handled by a licensed electrician or installer, and you should confirm details with Duke. Consult a qualified professional for electrical and safety questions.

Conclusion

Duke’s net metering program credits your home for solar power sent to the grid, offsetting what you draw later. Understand your rate schedule, follow the approval steps, and watch the true-up date to get the full value. Confirm current terms with Duke Energy before you commit to a system.

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Claire Whitaker

About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home solar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.