Summary of Georgia solar incentives 2021
In late 2019, two pro-solar candidates for the Georgia Public Service Commission were defeated by establishment candidates. While that certainly was a setback for more progressive home solar policy here in Georgia, there's still a compelling case to install solar on your home. The returns are solid considering the level of sunshine blanketing the state over the year.
In 2021 and beyond, we'd like to see a much stronger push and debate in the Georgia state capitol for an updated renewable portfolio standard (RPS). That would compel utilities here to derive much more power from clean sources, like the solar panels on your rooftop. Usually, when strong RPS standards are in place, better solar power incentives follow.
There is still hope, depending on where you live and how much your power company is willing to pay for the clean electricity from your panels. Read on to find out all about the ins and outs of policy, incentives, and investment returns for home solar power in Georgia
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Georgia homeowners
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See what Georgia solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Georgia solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Georgia
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
Net energy metering in Georgia
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for the surplus.
A decision filed by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) in Georgia Power's 2019 rate case requires Georgia Power to offer net metering with monthly netting to 5,000 rooftop solar customers or 32 MW of capacity, whichever comes first. Unfortunately that’s a pretty low target for net-metering capacity considering the size and population of the state.
This program is available under Georgia Power's Renewable & Nonrenewable Tariff (RNR). The utility maintains a web page with the most recent numbers of people and MW signed up under the RNR program.
Georgia solar rebates
Sadly, for the many Georgia residents who use Georgia Power, there isn’t a solar rebate available. However, if you live in areas served by the following utilities, you could potentially claim a small solar rebate.
Cost of solar panels in your part of Georgia after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 12.1kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
9.6-11.7 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$38,834-$47,464
Average size system installed in GA in 2021
12.1kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Georgia
31 solar companies in Georgia provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.77 151 Reviews
Latest review
Adam P, 4 days ago
I chose Renu for our solar install based on their competitive pricing and their history of working in the Carolinas. The team was responsive and quick to address concerns and scheduling was a breeze. We've been thrilled with our panels since the project was completed!
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Latest review
Adam P, 4 days ago
I chose Renu for our solar install based on their competitive pricing and their history of working in the Carolinas. The team was responsive and quick to address concerns and scheduling was a breeze. We've been thrilled with our panels since the project was completed!
4.69 160 Reviews
Latest review
Steve Bradshaw, 3 weeks ago
A1A Solar is a fantastic company! Chris Gellentien was our sales rep and was extremely knowledgeable about solar systems and answered all of our questions. The owner of the company Pete Wilking even came to the house and explained parts of the system before we signed the contract. The system the company designed was perfect for our roof. Warren Davis and Josh Clark installed the system in just over one day. They also were very through and walked us through the controls and operation of the system. The installation was very neat and looks great. The cleaned everything up when they were finished with the install like they were never there. It was a real pleasure working with everyone from the A1A team. A quality, professional team from top to bottom and I highly recommend them. Steve Bradshaw
Read more
Latest review
Steve Bradshaw, 3 weeks ago
A1A Solar is a fantastic company! Chris Gellentien was our sales rep and was extremely knowledgeable about solar systems and answered all of our questions. The owner of the company Pete Wilking even came to the house and explained parts of the system before we signed the contract. The system the company designed was perfect for our roof. Warren Davis and Josh Clark installed the system in just over one day. They also were very through and walked us through the controls and operation of the system. The installation was very neat and looks great. The cleaned everything up when they were finished with the install like they were never there. It was a real pleasure working with everyone from the A1A team. A quality, professional team from top to bottom and I highly recommend them. Steve Bradshaw
4.64 1,453 Reviews
Latest review
Igor, 1 day ago
I got my panels installed in 6 hours vs. 1.5 days since Blue Raven brought 2 crews and they finished by 3pm! The work quality is good, county inspection got passed in 1 minute! Very happy so far!
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Latest review
Igor, 1 day ago
I got my panels installed in 6 hours vs. 1.5 days since Blue Raven brought 2 crews and they finished by 3pm! The work quality is good, county inspection got passed in 1 minute! Very happy so far!
4.58 13 Reviews
Latest review
kicking it solar style, over 1 month
I started researching for a solar system for my house back in the spring after hearing that the federal incentive was about to expire in a year or 2. I've always been interested in residential solar power since it came out years ago but like alot of technology, the systems were so expensive back then. The fact that the panels have became better, more efficient & cheaper plus the fact of the federal incentive expiring finally made it affordable. After watching hundreds of vids on YouTube, & being 65 with health issues, I decided on getting some quotes from local installers as opposed to a DIY system like a many of the vids I had watched. Well long story short, I chose Mann Solar & I'm so glad I did. Nathan Mann was very easy to talk to about this business. He'd been doing it for several years & he answered all my questions without hesitation. He came up with a great solar package that best suited my house & my needs for a great price. I would highly recommend him & his company to anyone interested in solar power for their home or business.
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Latest review
kicking it solar style, over 1 month
I started researching for a solar system for my house back in the spring after hearing that the federal incentive was about to expire in a year or 2. I've always been interested in residential solar power since it came out years ago but like alot of technology, the systems were so expensive back then. The fact that the panels have became better, more efficient & cheaper plus the fact of the federal incentive expiring finally made it affordable. After watching hundreds of vids on YouTube, & being 65 with health issues, I decided on getting some quotes from local installers as opposed to a DIY system like a many of the vids I had watched. Well long story short, I chose Mann Solar & I'm so glad I did. Nathan Mann was very easy to talk to about this business. He'd been doing it for several years & he answered all my questions without hesitation. He came up with a great solar package that best suited my house & my needs for a great price. I would highly recommend him & his company to anyone interested in solar power for their home or business.
4.56 12 Reviews
Latest review
Mary Slaughter-Reynolds, 4 weeks ago
My Dominion Energy bill went from $150.00 to $ 7.60 in the summer months after Cory installed solar panels on 2/4/2019. I couldn't have been happier so we went the next step and added 1 mini split and 2 floor models for heating and air. Keeping the whole house between 65-67 degrees I was nervous for my first electric bill. It came today . $ 67.67....and there were many 100 degree plus days that I stayed home , canning in the kitchen. I was delighted to see we produced 893.98 kWh and were only billed for 491 kWh, saving 403.kWh. That's some good saving right there !!! Best retirement plan and added value to our home.
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Latest review
Mary Slaughter-Reynolds, 4 weeks ago
My Dominion Energy bill went from $150.00 to $ 7.60 in the summer months after Cory installed solar panels on 2/4/2019. I couldn't have been happier so we went the next step and added 1 mini split and 2 floor models for heating and air. Keeping the whole house between 65-67 degrees I was nervous for my first electric bill. It came today . $ 67.67....and there were many 100 degree plus days that I stayed home , canning in the kitchen. I was delighted to see we produced 893.98 kWh and were only billed for 491 kWh, saving 403.kWh. That's some good saving right there !!! Best retirement plan and added value to our home.
Latest review
Shelly Aubuchon - TECO, over 1 month
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4.46 21 Reviews
Latest review
6.6 ME ground mount, over 1 month
Chris was our main contact and expert! We met with 3 other companies and quoted, by far, Southern View had the most expertise, answered many/all questions, and gave us the price for the whole system, ground mount, optimizers, Inverter 6.6 KW and went over our landscape plan and gave us a very competitive price! System is almost 4 years old and has had only one small problem. An optimized failed, was very quickly replaced and all is well, under my warranty. No charge! I get the panels washed twice a year, and they due an outstanding job at cleaning and checking over the system each time! I cannot recommend them any higher! Delivered on time, professionally installed, the crew was very attentive to wires, conduit, and wire chases and even the Ga Power inspector was impressed! I live near Atlanta, if any potential client would like to visit my site, tell Chris and we would be happy to show you around. Most importantly, everything they promised came out exactly like planned and I am a very anal person when it comes to big house projects!! With Federal tax deductions, power generated and sold, and reduction in over all power bill, I Should be breaking even in early 2020!!
Read more
Latest review
6.6 ME ground mount, over 1 month
Chris was our main contact and expert! We met with 3 other companies and quoted, by far, Southern View had the most expertise, answered many/all questions, and gave us the price for the whole system, ground mount, optimizers, Inverter 6.6 KW and went over our landscape plan and gave us a very competitive price! System is almost 4 years old and has had only one small problem. An optimized failed, was very quickly replaced and all is well, under my warranty. No charge! I get the panels washed twice a year, and they due an outstanding job at cleaning and checking over the system each time! I cannot recommend them any higher! Delivered on time, professionally installed, the crew was very attentive to wires, conduit, and wire chases and even the Ga Power inspector was impressed! I live near Atlanta, if any potential client would like to visit my site, tell Chris and we would be happy to show you around. Most importantly, everything they promised came out exactly like planned and I am a very anal person when it comes to big house projects!! With Federal tax deductions, power generated and sold, and reduction in over all power bill, I Should be breaking even in early 2020!!
4.31 22 Reviews
Latest review
Curtis S., over 1 month
David Adams, my coordinator did a great job from initial set up through installation. The contractor team was extremely professional and personable. Could not ask for a better experience for such a complex matter.
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Latest review
Curtis S., over 1 month
David Adams, my coordinator did a great job from initial set up through installation. The contractor team was extremely professional and personable. Could not ask for a better experience for such a complex matter.
4.30 17 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
We definitely had some hiccups along the way, but overall we are very happy with our PV system. Adam Hoyt is a thorough planner, and a good advocate. Most of our issues had to do with work performed by a subcontractor, not AES itself. I believe that AES will learn from this experience and improve as a company.
Read more
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
We definitely had some hiccups along the way, but overall we are very happy with our PV system. Adam Hoyt is a thorough planner, and a good advocate. Most of our issues had to do with work performed by a subcontractor, not AES itself. I believe that AES will learn from this experience and improve as a company.
Latest review
Tom Wells, over 1 month
Great work by SOENSO<br />
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