Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Georgia.
Georgia is the 7th largest state for solar power in the United States. The states among the top ten for solar continue to boast their large-scale facilities, Georgia is no different. The Simon Solar Farm is one of the largest in the country and has several others showcasing the potential for scalability and efficiency of photovoltaics. Promises of reduced electricity costs, tax incentives, and sustainable living drive an increasing number of residential and commercial buildings to install solar systems.
While solar power and other renewable energy options are booming in popularity, there is much to consider. Whether you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint or your utility bills we’ll walk you through the most important factors to help you make the best energy decision.
The average price for a home solar panel system in Georgia is $17,880 for a 6kW system, or about per watt, slightly higher than the U.S. average of $18,771 and $3.13 per watt. Despite this cost being above the national average, Georgia still ranks 7th in the U.S. for solar, reflecting a robust market with great incentives. When considering solar panels for your home, it's vital to recognize that systems will vary in cost depending on factors such as the solar installation company, the types of solar panels you choose, and the size of your system. It's wise to get multiple quotes from various installers when shopping for solar panels to ensure you are getting the best deal and the right fit for your needs.
| Average Cost 6 kW System | Average Cost 10 kW System | Estimated Tax Credit (10 kW System) | Average Cost/Watt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Georgia | $17,880 | $29,800 | $8,940 | $2.98 |
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Most Costly State(Michigan) | $22,680 | $37,800 | $11,340 | $3.78 |
| Least Costly State(Arizona) | $14,640 | $24,400 | $7,320 | $2.44 |
For many in Georgia, the optimal solar system size balances between cost and capacity. The aim is to produce sufficient electricity to fulfill your home's energy needs while maintaining the costs as affordable as possible. In other words, achieve the maximum value for your investment in the Peach State.
| System Size | System Cost | Cost After Federal Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $14,900 | $8,785 |
| 6 kW | $17,880 | $10,542 |
| 7 kW | $20,860 | $12,299 |
| 8 kW | $23,840 | $14,056 |
| 10 kW | $29,800 | $17,570 |
In the Peach State, while solar offers numerous advantages, it's not without its challenges. Before committing in Georgia, it's essential to reflect on both the advantages and potential pitfalls of integrating solar panels into your residence. By juxtaposing these factors, you can better determine if solar aligns with your circumstances.
Georgians might have diverse views on gauging these pros and cons. Our intention is to highlight the most prevalent points specific to Georgia, empowering you to make a decision that best suits your individual needs.
Georgia's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production. The state experiences a significant amount of sunlight throughout the year, especially in the southern regions. While there might be some challenges such as occasional storms or cloudy days, overall, Georgia's climate offers a solid foundation for harnessing solar energy
The average electricity bill in Georgia is $134 per month compared to the U.S. average of $121. The higher electricity cost provides significantly more potential for savings from solar compared to other states. Higher savings may also make up for the higher cost of solar in the state.
Most homes in Georgia could see a payback period of 6 to 10 years for solar installation, depending on a variety of factors such as system size, sunlight availability, and installation costs. However, if you prioritize energy independence and renewable energy, there could be additional non-monetary benefits. Additionally, incentives like the federal tax credit, which offers a 30% reduction in system cost, can provide more financial advantages and potentially shorten the payback period. It's essential to explore all available incentives and consult with a solar provider to understand the full range of benefits tailored to your specific situation in Georgia.
If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.
There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Georgia. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.
The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.
This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."
Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.
Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.
Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:
Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.
For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.
Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.
Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.
In addition to the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you may be eligible for solar incentives that could significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installation. Some incentives are statewide and others are more local. Your city, utility, or other local company could offer hundreds or thousands of dollars in incentives to install solar systems.
This table shows the available incentives in Georgia. But, just because you don't see it here doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Check with your local utility for other potential incentives.
| Name | State | Category | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Solar Easement Laws | GA | Regulatory Policy | Solar/Wind Access Policy |
| Net Metering | GA | Regulatory Policy | Net Metering |
| Interconnection Guidelines | GA | Regulatory Policy | Interconnection |
| Alternative Fuel Vehicle Credit - Personal | GA | Financial Incentive | Personal Tax Credit |
| Alternative Fuel Vehicle Credit - Corporate | GA | Financial Incentive | Corporate Tax Credit |
| TVA - Green Power Providers | GA | Financial Incentive | Performance-Based Incentive |
| Four-Day Sales Tax Exemption for Energy-Efficient Products | GA | Financial Incentive | Sales Tax Incentive |
| Electric Power Board - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | GA | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| Electric Power Board - Home Developer Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | GA | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| Building Energy Code | GA | Regulatory Policy | Building Energy Code |
There are hundreds of solar companies in Georgia. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.
To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.
The solar companies we partner with:
We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.
Georgia has seen significant growth in its solar energy sector, reaching an estimated 3,769 megawatts of total solar capacity by 2022, a substantial increase from the previous year, according to the “Solar in the Southeast” report by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE).
While Georgia ranks 7th in the US overall for solar, they rank 3rd among the seven Southeastern states, Georgia is predicted to overtake North Carolina for the second spot in the region by 2025.
Various utilities and cooperatives in Georgia have significantly contributed to this growth, with Walton EMC leading in solar-to-customer ratio and tech partnerships, and Georgia Power planning to add more solar installations by 2025. Incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act and solar panel giant Qcells’ expansion are also aiding growth.
While all that sounds great, there are still some concerns for Georgia’s solar market. Some are concerned about an imbalance between utility-scale and smaller rooftop systems, whether that be residential or commercial rooftop solar. At the end of 2022 Georgia commission failed to expand the net metering program to new participants. Net metering provides solar users a way to decrease their bill with solar credits. This program has been capped at 5,000 participants and has been full since 2021. This makes solar less attractive to newcomers.
We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.
Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in Georgia decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.
We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.
The cost of solar panel installation in Georgia can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.
A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in Georgia is $19,200 for a 6kW system or about or about $3.20 per watt, higher than the US average.
The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:
To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.
The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.
Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.
Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly and to clean off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.
There are two main types of solar panels: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. There are pros and cons to both. Either type can produce enough solar power for your home. We recommend getting a recommendation from a solar installer for your home. Depending on your budget, location, and other factors they can recommend the most efficient solar panels for your home.
Securing a residential permit for solar installation in Georgia is a crucial step. The process may vary by local jurisdiction but generally involves submitting a permit application to the local building department, along with things like site plans and system specifications.
Many local governments in Georgia have streamlined this process to encourage solar adoption, and resources are available to assist homeowners. For specific guidelines, homeowners should consult their city or county building department, where staff can provide details on required documentation and fees. The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) and other state agencies may also offer information on regulations and incentives, while solar installation companies often have experience navigating local permitting requirements and can provide guidance as well.
Check out the links below for resources for some of the major cities:
