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Solarpunk · Solutions

Effective 2026

Solar disclaimers

These disclaimers govern any solar estimate, system recommendation, production projection, savings figure, or technical claim made through this website. They are written to comply with Federal Trade Commission guidance under Section 5 of the FTC Act (15 U.S.C. § 45), the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (N.C.G.S. § 75-1.1), and the specific federal and state regulations referenced below.

1. Estimates only

All figures generated by this site — system size, panel count, annual production, savings, install-cost range, CO₂ offset — are non-binding estimates. They are not quotes, proposals, or offers to contract. Final pricing and final system design require an on-site assessment.

2. No guarantee of production, savings, or payback

We do not guarantee any specific level of energy production, bill reduction, payback period, or return on investment. Actual results vary based on:

  • Actual electricity consumption and consumption patterns;
  • Utility rates, rate structure, and rate changes over time;
  • Roof condition, shading, orientation, tilt, and pitch;
  • Weather and microclimate;
  • Equipment performance and long-term degradation;
  • Net-metering or buy-back policies that may change.

Long-term savings figures on this site assume a 3% annual utility rate escalation, an industry-standard but not guaranteed assumption. Production is modeled from Western NC averages (approximately 1,350 kWh per installed kW per year, derived from NREL PVWatts) and applies standard derating for orientation and shading.

3. Federal Investment Tax Credit (IRC § 25D) — terminated for residential systems

The 30% federal residential clean energy credit under Internal Revenue Code § 25D was terminated by Public Law 119-21(the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed July 4, 2025) for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. “Placed in service” means installation is complete — not when the contract is signed and not when payment is made. Per IRS guidance, installation completed after December 31, 2025 does not qualify for the § 25D credit.

We do not provide tax advice. Eligibility for any federal, state, or utility incentive depends on your specific tax and legal situation. Consult a qualified tax professional before making financial decisions based on a credit you have not yet claimed.

4. Equipment warranties

Solar panels, inverters, batteries, and related equipment are warranted by their respective manufacturers under the terms in each manufacturer's warranty document. Solarpunk Solutions does not extend, alter, or guarantee these warranties. Workmanship warranties on the installation itself are provided through a separate written installation agreement at contract signing.

5. Utility interconnection (NCUC Rule R8-67)

Grid-tied and hybrid solar systems require interconnection approval from your electric utility, governed by North Carolina Utilities Commission Rule R8-67 and related dockets. We assist with the application, but utility approval, Permission To Operate (PTO), net-metering terms, and any buy-back rates are determined by the utility and the NCUC. Interconnection timelines can range from weeks to months.

6. Duke Energy net-metering tariff sunset

Duke Energy Carolinas / Progress's legacy “Bridge Rate” net-metering tariff (Rider NMB) is scheduled to close to new applicants on December 31, 2026. New residential rooftop customers after that date are placed on Rider RSC (Residential Solar Choice), a time-of-use rate with critical-peak pricing. We do not promise legacy 1:1 net-metering terms for systems energized after that date.

7. Permits, codes, and site visit

All installations are subject to local building, electrical, and fire-code requirements. Permit availability and timelines vary by jurisdiction. No solar system will be installed based on a web estimate alone — a site visit is required to confirm roof condition, structural capacity, electrical service adequacy, shading, and interconnection feasibility.

8. Battery and electrical safety

Battery storage systems involve high-voltage DC and stored chemical energy. They must be installed by qualified personnel in accordance with manufacturer instructions and applicable codes. Do not attempt self-installation.

9. No affiliation with utilities or government

Solarpunk Solutions is not affiliated with Duke Energy, the North Carolina Utilities Commission, the U.S. Department of Energy, the IRS, or any other utility or government agency. References to tariffs, programs, or tax provisions are informational and do not imply endorsement.

10. Third-party product references

Product specifications quoted on this site (SunPower, Sunplus, SRNE, and others) are taken directly from the manufacturer's datasheets. All product names, model numbers, and trademarks belong to their respective owners.