Georgia Solar Panels Guide: Cost, Savings, and Incentives

Solar power has been growing in Georgia for the last six years. The Peach State is now up to number 7 in the nation in solar capacity and has enough solar energy capacity to power more than 850,000 homes. 

Your home might be a candidate for generating clean, renewable, independent energy that can save you money. 

From metropolitan Atlanta to all of rural Georgia, from the North Georgia hills to the shore in Savannah, everyone’s situation is different. How do you know if home solar panels are the right fit for your home? Here’s how to find the right company, what savings you can expect, and other specifics about going solar you need to consider.

Does Solar Make Sense in Georgia?

Solar power already is used by many homes and businesses throughout Georgia. Electricity from solar is reliable and economical. 

Price of electricity

Georgia’s average electricity rate in 2023 was 13.69 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to the US Energy Information Administration. That’s slightly less than the national average of 16 cents/kWh. Your actual cost for electricity depends on whether your rate plan varies throughout the year or day, such as with a time-of-use rate, as is an option with Georgia Power.

The price you pay for electricity can impact how much solar can save you. In general, the higher the cost of electricity, the more you could save. How much electricity you use is another important factor.

Price of solar

The nationwide estimated average price of residential solar power is $3.33 per watt, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. 

Your cost can vary within your state, a city, or even from your next-door neighbor. System size, the complexity of your roof, labor costs, incentives you qualify for, and if you’re getting battery storage are some variables that impact price. The best way to get a precise estimate of your customized home solar system is to contact a reputable solar company.

Available sunlight

Georgia averages 4-5 peak sun hours per day throughout the year. 

Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity, so the available sunlight in your area, right down to your specific roof, is a major factor. The “your roof” part of designing your prospective solar system is usually more important than metrics for your state, county, or even city. A reputable Georgia solar company will do a survey, in person or remotely, to know if your home is a fit for solar panels. This is an important step in your customized design process.

Outages

Residential solar systems connected to your area utility company’s electric grid will shut down if the electricity goes out. You may opt to have battery storage as part of your home system. This can let you store electricity for use during an outage as well as at night when your panels don’t produce.

Georgians had an average of 349 minutes of power outages in 2023 according to the US Energy Information Administration. Your specific number could’ve been more or less.

Solar Incentives in Georgia

Residential solar power continues to become more affordable. In many cases, tax credits, rebates, tax exemptions, and other incentives can make going solar make more financial sense.

Federal tax credit

The Residential Clean Energy Credit, often called the federal solar tax credit, gives owners of residential solar panels tax credits on their federal income tax for up to 30% of the cost of their solar system. Component and installation costs are usually eligible for the credit. The program is in place until January 1, 2035 with the full 30% credit on the books until January 1, 2033.

You must have a federal tax liability to use the credit. If your tax liability is too small to claim the entire credit in a single year, you can roll remaining credits over to future years. You can find the IRS form and more information from the IRS. It’s best to consult a tax professional or financial advisor before assuming any credit or incentive.

Net metering

Georgia Power, the electric utility with customers in 155 of Georgia’s 159 counties, uses a net billing plan which compensates customers when their solar system sends electricity to the utility grid. The net billing rate was 8.5 cents per kWh in 2024. The credit is applied to your Georgia Power bill each month. 

Georgians with electric membership corporations receive net billing or net metering. 

Some of the EMCs use 1-to-1 net metering. With 1-to-1 net metering, each kilowatt-hour you send to the grid earns you a credit worth one kilowatt-hour at the retail rate. 

With net billing, the kWhs exported to the grid are valued from 2-5.5 cents per kWh.

Other net billing or net metering policies, such as maximum system size or maximum offset percentages vary with your utility.

Solar Payback Period in Georgia

There are plenty of reasons to go solar, but number one for most people is saving money. A solar payback period is how long it takes for your solar savings to equal and pass your cost of going solar. Here’s how to calculate it.

( Total solar cost - Upfront incentives ) / Annual savings = Payback period in years

Expected payback periods included here, and even in a quote from a company, are just estimates. Factors might change over time. For example, a payback period estimated at 10 years when you have a new system installed might become shorter if the electricity rate rises faster than expected. 

Georgia’s 2023 state average electricity rate was 13.69 cents/kWh, but 10 years earlier in 2013 it was 11.46 cents/kWh, according to the US EIA.

Georgia Utilities and Rooftop Solar Panels

Your utility company’s policies, rates, and other factors affect your experience going solar and your savings.

Gas utilities and home electrification

If you also use natural gas, home electrification can reduce or eliminate your gas bill. Replacing gas appliances with electric appliances will cut your gas bill and likely raise your electric bill. But utilizing your solar electricity for as much of your power as possible can give you the biggest savings.

Leasing Solar Panels in Georgia

If you want the clean, renewable power solar panels generate at home but don’t want the upfront expense, a solar lease could be the best option. 

With a lease, you make monthly payments for panels on your property. The panels and system are owned by the leasing company. 

Palmetto’s LightReach Energy Plan, available in Georgia, gives you predictable monthly payments designed to save you money right away. Palmetto owns and maintains the solar power system.

Solar Panel Maintenance in Georgia

Newcomers to solar might be surprised with the low level of maintenance home solar panels need. Cleaning your solar panels can be a pro or DIY job. A gentle rinse is usually good to clean off a film of pollen or dust. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and don’t use anything that could damage or scratch panels.

An annual maintenance and system check is a good idea, This should be done by a licensed professional. In fact, DIY work can void warranty coverage. Palmetto Protect includes system monitoring, maintenance, intelligent issue detection, and top-ranked customer service.

Solar Panels and Hurricanes

Georgia can be hit by tropical storms and hurricanes. Solar panels can withstand hurricane-force winds as well or better than the roof they’re on.

Wind-thrown debris can damage panels, like it can your roof, so you’ll want to make sure your solar panels are covered by your homeowners insurance policy.

Solar panels with a battery can provide safe, independent power if your area’s power is out. Once the clouds clear, your solar panels will be able to charge up the battery.

Finding the Best Solar Companies in Georgia

Choosing the right solar company to partner with is a huge part of going solar. And, when you go to home solar power, you’re expecting your system to last for 25 years or longer. You’ll be working with this company before, during, and for years after your solar panels are up. 

You’re looking for a company that answers all your questions, doesn’t pressure you, and resolves issues efficiently. Here are suggestions and tips on what to look for.

• Find a company that clearly answers your questions and gives you time to make a decision on your own.
• Read reviews — both positive and negative — to get a balanced view of the company
• Talk to friends and neighbors who have experience with solar installers
• Compare quotes, warranties, and equipment offered

Palmetto Reviews

“This process couldn’t have been smoother! Palmetto took their time and explained everything and always answered my questions. I would recommend this company to anyone considering solar!” Jen W. 10/31/2024 Google Review

“Palmetto did an outstanding job guiding us through the entire process of installing solar panels for our home. From start to finish they ensured we were updated step by step. If we had questions their customer service was always available by phone, chat, or email. We could not be happier with our solar panel installation and highly recommend Palmetto to anyone looking to go solar.” Jim R. 11/16/2024 Google Review

“Palmetto was recommended to me by a friend/broker in the industry. The whole experience was transparent. All the local subcontractors were reliable and communicated effectively. I have had my system for 18 months and loving it more and more every month, especially on sunny days!” Gary G. 11/20/2024 Google Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Does solar make sense in Georgia?

Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states in solar capacity, including for residential solar power. Georgia’s climate is good for predictable, renewable solar energy. You can join many Georgians who are saving money with home solar panels. 

How much does it cost to go solar in Georgia?

The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates the national average cost of residential solar panels as $3.33 per watt. Solar costs vary  from home to home. A company should work with you to build a customized system accounting for your roof, your power needs, and decisions such as battery storage. 

How do I make sure I get the federal solar tax credit?

You should always confirm with a tax professional that you qualify and can claim the entire tax credit. Qualifying homeowners with qualifying installations can claim a tax credit worth 30% of the cost of getting solar panels in 2025 through 2033.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors.

Sobre el AutorAndrew GiermakWriter and Editor

Andrew joined Palmetto in Charlotte in August 2024. He’s been a writer in journalism, then in business, going back to almost the 20th century. He’s lived in Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia again, and now North Carolina for the last 12 years. He likes golf. Is he good at it? Not so much.