Georgia solar panels: The complete guide in 2024
Data updated Nov 19, 2024
Interested in going solar? You'll need to install a 11.94 kW solar panel system to cover the average electric bill in Georgia, which will cost you about $21,887 after the federal tax credit.
Cost for an average system in Georgia
As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
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- Overview
- Solar cost
- Incentives
- Electricity cost
- Companies
Going solar in Georgia
With higher than average electricity prices and abundant sunshine, Georgia's a pretty great state for solar energy. It may not have the best local solar incentives, but as a Georgian, you can still take advantage of solar's most valuable incentive, the Federal Tax Credit.
Here's what you should know about installing solar panels in the Peach State.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Georgia?
Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Georgia homeowner needs a 11.94 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $31,267 before incentives. Prices range from $26,577 to $35,957, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%.
While this may sound high, so are Georgia electricity prices! That's why over 23,000 Georgia homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 12.35 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
There are a few ways to finance your solar panel system so you don't have to provide all that money upfront.
Cash purchase: You'll own the system and pay for it upfront. This provides the best long-term savings.
Solar loan: Allows you to retain ownership of your system, while owing little to no money upfront. Solar loans aren't all created equal: If you have access to subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs, that's usually your best bet. A home equity loan or a personal loan are often your next best options––private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). These generally provide the lowest savings and generate the most negative press about solar. If you choose this financing option, read the fine print: You can get trapped in them for longer than you'd like.
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Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Georgia?
The Residential Clean Energy Credit, formerly known as the federal investment tax credit (ITC), helps bring solar's price tag down considerably in Georgia.
Incentive | Average savings in Georgia | Description |
|---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, formerly the federal investment tax credit (ITC) | $9,380 | Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30% |
Is net metering available in Georgia?
In some states, you'll earn bill credits from your utility company when your solar panel system generates excess electricity and sends it to the grid. This incentive is known as net metering—basically a solar buyback program—and makes it so you will owe very little, or even nothing, on your electric bills with solar panels.
Georgia doesn't offer net metering, but some utility companies (including Georgia Power) offer a solar buyback program known as net billing.
Under net billing, you’ll earn some cash credit toward your energy bill when you send excess electricity from your solar panels to the grid––but it's a lot less than what you actually pay for electricity. For Georgia Power customers, it’s about 6.8 cents per kWh. Some smaller utilities offer similar rates.
Equipment
Equipment quality
Each year, solar panels get more and more efficient—that is, they produce more power per square foot. As of 2024, the most popular solar panels can produce about 400 watts of electricity when they’re in full sunlight. If you want to make the most of your roof’s solar potential, get panels with at least that much power output.
You should also make sure to select a solar inverter setup that makes sense for your roof’s layout.
And if you want or need a solar battery, be sure to pick one that can integrate cleanly with that inverter.
Premium equipment can come with a high price tag, but it will often save you more money in the long run. The best equipment tends to have the best warranty terms, often guaranteed to 25 years (sometimes even 40!), so you’re covered in case you need repairs or replacements. The highest-quality panels also degrade more slowly, so they’ll maintain more of their power output further into the future.
Companies
Who are the best solar installers in Georgia?
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Georgia:
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resources
Top solar resources for Georgia
- Georgia Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- GEFA Energy and Water
Explore information about loans for renewable energy programs.
- GA Solar
Learn about local and state policies that make the benefits of solar accessible to all Georgians.
- Georgia Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about GA energy production and prices.
- GA State Solar Policy (SEIA)
Get information about solar policies in GA.
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