Rising Utility Costs Are Everywhere — Here’s How Solar Can Help in the Carolinas
If you’ve opened your latest electric bill, you probably felt it: electricity prices are rising across the country. From coast to coast, households and businesses are seeing higher costs due to aging infrastructure, increasing demand, and fluctuating fuel prices. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that residential electricity prices rose by an average of 12% between 2021 and 2024, with some regions seeing even larger increases. (EIA) For example, in North Carolina, average residential rates have climbed nearly 25% since 2021, with similar upward trends in South Carolina. (US Chamber of Commerce)
For families, these rising costs mean tighter budgets. For businesses, they can add uncertainty to operations, growth, and planning. In response, more people are turning to solar power — not just for the environment, but to regain control over their energy costs.
Why Energy Costs Keep Climbing
So why are bills rising so quickly, especially here in the Carolinas? It’s a mix of factors that most customers don’t see behind the scenes:
Fuel and generation costs: Coal, natural gas, and other generation sources have become more expensive and volatile, directly impacting your monthly bill.
Infrastructure investment: Utilities must maintain and modernize aging transmission lines, substations, and other grid equipment — costs that are often passed along to ratepayers.
Policy and regulatory changes: States continually update net metering rules, incentives, and performance-based regulation programs that determine how utilities calculate rates for both residential and commercial customers.
Utilities like Duke Energy regularly file rate increases with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) and South Carolina Public Service Commission to cover these costs. But as we’ve seen firsthand, the way these filings play out can have big implications for families and businesses alike.
At Sugar Hollow Solar, we’ve been tracking these developments closely for years. In 2023, when Duke Energy Progress proposed changes to Performance-Based Regulation that could affect both residential and commercial solar customers, we filed a position statement with the NCUC to help protect our clients and give them time to plan. (Read our 2023 blog to learn more)
Understanding these dynamics is more than just technical knowledge — it’s what allows families and businesses to make informed decisions about energy. Rising utility rates create pressure, but they also create opportunity: the chance to take control of energy costs with solar.
Solar: A Smart Hedge Against Rising Costs
Solar power allows homes and businesses to produce their own electricity, protecting against volatile rates and creating predictable, long-term energy costs. Research shows that households with solar can reduce energy bills by 15% or more, while commercial systems often deliver even greater savings depending on scale and energy needs. (Stanford Energy)
Commercial Solar in Action: Dynamite Coffee
Take the example of Dynamite Coffee, a local roaster in Black Mountain, NC. Their café offsets 50% of its electricity, while their production facility produces ten times its energy needs, powering roasting equipment, lights, HVAC, and even electric delivery vehicles.
For co-founder Andy Gibbon, solar wasn’t about marketing — it was about aligning sustainability with smart business. “The power needs and the cost of energy aren’t a factor in our decision-making as we grow our business because it’s set – it’s already producing,” he says.
And there’s room to grow.
Which is the kind of operational freedom and financial predictability that solar can offer commercial customers — turning energy from a cost into a strategic advantage.
Businesses in South Carolina can benefit from additional incentives, too. Along with federal tax credits and accelerated depreciation, the state offers a solar tax credit of up to 25%. That extra relief can make large commercial projects even more cost-effective — the kind of financial advantage that helped Dynamite Coffee scale its solar operations and plan confidently for growth.
Residential Solar Leasing: Expanding Access and Flexibility
Solar isn’t just for people who can buy outright — it’s for anyone ready to take control of their energy. Residential solar leasing has been around for years, but recent shifts in policy and market conditions have made it a more practical, flexible option than ever before.
With a lease, homeowners pay a predictable monthly fee — often less than their current utility bill. There’s no upfront cost, and no surprises.
Why is leasing such a game-changer now? Federal incentives have changed, and new partnerships — like our membership in the Amicus Solar Cooperative — allow us to offer industry-leading terms that truly benefit homeowners. That means:
$0 upfront cost — no down payment, no installation fees
Stable monthly payments — no annual escalators
Maintenance and monitoring included — Your lease partner handles these details
Optional buyout after Year 5 — giving you the flexibility to own the system if you choose, at a significant discount
Leasing opens doors for families who want predictable costs, immediate savings, and professional support, without taking on a loan or investing substantially upfront. It’s not just a financial decision — it’s a way to step into clean, reliable energy with confidence.
In short, leasing doesn’t replace buying — it expands options. And for more households than ever, it’s now a pathway to solar that truly makes sense.
Want the full story on how residential solar leasing works — and why it’s worth a closer look now? Read our in-depth guide here.
Navigating Incentives and Savings
One of the biggest advantages of going solar isn’t just predictable energy costs — it’s the financial incentives that make solar even more accessible. Incentives can change often, and keeping track of what’s available for your home or business can be overwhelming. That’s where Sugar Hollow Solar comes in. We help customers across North and South Carolina understand the programs, design systems to maximize savings, and make the process simple and reliable.
Current Incentives Making Solar Accessible
Solar incentives can change often, which is why having a trusted guide matters. Here’s what’s available today:
South Carolina State Tax Credit: Up to $3,500 per year, or 50% of your tax liability, with unused credits carrying forward for up to ten years. This applies to both residential and commercial systems, providing meaningful financial relief and making solar more affordable.
Commercial Federal Incentives: Businesses still qualify for federal solar tax credits and accelerated depreciation, helping commercial projects generate immediate savings while supporting long-term growth.
With the right guidance, these incentives can make solar an accessible, cost-effective choice for your home or business. And because programs are always evolving, having a trusted local partner ensures you’re taking full advantage of every opportunity.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Whether you’re running a home or a business, navigating energy incentives, net metering, and financing options can feel overwhelming. That’s where having a trusted, local partner makes all the difference.
At Sugar Hollow Solar, we’ve been rooted in North Carolina for over 15 years, helping families and businesses take control of their energy. Over that time, we’ve also expanded our trusted services into Upstate South Carolina, bringing the same local expertise, reliability, and community focus to the region. As a Certified B-Corp, we’re committed not just to clean energy, but to doing business responsibly and in a way that reflects the values of the Southern Appalachians we call home.
We guide customers to:
Understand potential savings and incentives — so you know exactly what solar can do for your budget
Design systems tailored to your energy use and goals — from residential to commercial solar arrays and battery backup systems
Handle permitting, installation, and maintenance — so you can focus on your family or business, not paperwork
With Sugar Hollow Solar, solar becomes more than panels on a roof. It’s a tool for financial stability, energy independence, and long-term environmental impact. Rising utility costs don’t have to be a source of stress — with a system designed for your home or business, you can take control of your energy, protect against future price spikes, and invest in a cleaner, more resilient future.
We know these mountains, these communities, and the challenges our neighbors face. That’s why we’re not just a solar company — we’re a local partner who’s here for the long haul.
With Sugar Hollow Solar, you can navigate your energy journey every step of the way. Your energy future is in your hands — and we’re here to help you protect your home, your business, and the Southern Appalachian communities we all share.
