Solar power in Georgia
Despite excellent sun exposure in Georgia, the distributed solar sector has struggled to gain traction. Georgia does not have a renewable portfolio standard, therefore there is less pressure on utilities to create incentives for expanding solar.
However, there are some utility rebates available that, when combined with the federal tax credit, can provide great savings on a residential solar system in Georgia.
Compare solar quotes from the top solar companies in Georgia
Georgia solar power facts
$2.78 watt
Average cost: 5kW solar power system
?7 Years 7 Months
Average payback time
$57,096
Average lifetime savings
?6¢ kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
30¢ kWh
If you don't get solar
?10,714 kWh
Annual power production
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of a 8.27kW system
This 8.27kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill in Georgia is $150, however, your situation may vary so try our solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
4
Solar companies in Georgia that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
How much can solar panels save you in Georgia
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Georgia
| System Size | Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,416 | $6,929 |
| 4kw | $8,377 | $9,047 |
| 5kw | $10,286 | $11,109 |
| 6kw | $12,077 | $13,043 |
| 7kw | $13,831 | $14,937 |
| 8kw | $15,451 | $16,687 |
| 9kw | $17,050 | $18,414 |
| 10kw | $18,500 | $19,980 |
How much do solar panels cost in Georgia?
$2.78 per watt
Cash purchased solar system
Before 26% solar tax credit
$3.08 per watt
Financed solar system
Before 26% solar tax credit
$0.0¢ /kWh
Lease/PPA
Ave 15 year term, 2.5% price escalator
What are the pros and cons of installing solar panels in Georgia?
The advantage of installing solar panels in Georgia is that there are utility incentives in place in order to reduce solar system installation costs. Also, the largest power provider in the state, Georgia Power, compensates customers for excess energy their solar systems produce. Not to mention, The Peach State receives more sunlight than other areas in the United States, so a system here will produce more than in other parts of the country.
SolarPowerRocks provides a great breakdown of solar incentives and policy for each state within the US.
The disadvantage of installing solar panels in Georgia is the lack of statewide solar incentives. Also, power is relatively cheap here, so the payback period is longer than it is in states with more expensive power. The state does not require utilities to offer net metering, therefore utilities don’t have to offer the full retail rate for excess energy a system produces and sends to the grid.
Best solar companies in Georgia
Compare solar quotes from the top solar companies in Georgia
Best brands of solar panels
To find the best brands of solar panels you can use America's most trusted solar panel comparison and reviews website, SolarReviews.
However, reviews of solar panels can be a bit meaningless because most consumer owners have not had any issues and so while solar company reviews are very important when choosing solar installers they are of less use when choosing solar panels.
For more information to help you make an informed decision about this topic, I would recommend this article about buying solar panels.
How much electricity will solar panels produce in Georgia
Solar panels produce different amounts of energy in different locations.
Around the Atlanta area solar panels installed on a south-facing 23-degree pitch roof will typically produce:
1,460kWh
per year per 1kW of peak DC
(direct current) capacity
For more information about how your location, roof direction, and roof tilt affects solar power production use the solar panels calculator and enter your zip code.
I want to buy a solar panel kit and install it myself
What rebates, solar tax credits and other solar incentives are available in Georgia?
Solar rebates in Georgia
Jackson Electric Membership Corporation and Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation offer a rebate for their customers who install solar. Customers can receive $450 per kilowatt of solar installed on their property up to $4,500.
Georgia Power Buy Back Program
Georgia Power will buy back excess energy that a solar system creates at a rate that is less than the retail cost of energy. Customers can participate in the program on a first-come-first-serve basis until the cumulative generating capacity equals 0.2% of Georgia Power’s annual peak demand. So, the sooner you go solar, the more likely you are to get into the program!
Georgia Solar Calculator
Regardless of what you want to know about the economics of installing solar panels for your home or business in Georgia, we have a solar calculator that can show you exactly the information you require.
What you can find out about installing solar panels in Georgia using our full monthly solar calculator
This solar calculator requires you to input your address, utility company, your average monthly power spend - It tells you:
- What size solar system do you need?
- Answers the question of How many solar panels do I need?
- How many square feet of roof space you need for solar panels
- Solar electricity production in annual kWh (kilowatt-hours) you can expect from your solar system in Georgia
- The value of solar tax credits and other incentives you are entitled to based on the estimated size of system you need, your location and your utility provider.
- Likely cost based on an average of prices charged for solar systems of that size in the last year in Georgia or Atlanta ;
- The likely payback period on your solar panels and your investment return.
- Your total lifetime solar savings based on each of the major solar finance options, a cash purchase, a cash purchase funded with a HELOC sol (home equity line of credit) and a zero-down PPA or third party lease product.
If you want to see all of the above but also see live pricing, the three best solar deals available in your city and get binding quotes from each of these solar companies then use this Georgia solar panels calculator. This calculator requires you to also input your name and contact details because most of our 200+ installer partners will only authorize the sharing of their live solar pricing where we have validated that you are a real homeowner with a home in their service area. We respect the privacy of your data and only share your contact details with the solar companies you ask us to get binding quotes from.
Going solar in Georgia
Check out all of the ways energy providers of Georgia can help you be more energy-efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| TVA - Green Power Providers - Upfront Rebate Program | Utility | Rebate Program |
| TVA - Green Power Providers - Performance-Based Incentive | Utility | Performance-Based Incentive |
| Jackson EMC - Right Choice Sun Power Rebate Program | Utility | Rebate Program |
| Central Georgia EMC - Photovoltaic Rebate Program | Utility | Rebate Program |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Your city may have further incentives to offer. Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives is the solar installers who specialize in your area.
