Summary of Georgia solar incentives 2020
In late 2019, two pro-solar candidates for the 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 2020 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% in 2021. Unless new legislation is introduced in Washington D.C., this program will be gone in 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. Georgia Power’s website states they are still working with the PSC to finalize a net-metering plan forward. We’ll update you here when their rules are firmed up. Hopefully, that won’t be in 2030.
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
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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 2020
12.1kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Georgia
22 solar companies in Georgia provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.54 21 Reviews
Latest review
Psquare, over 1 month
I chose South Coast Solar from Columbia, SC because of the knowledge that Grant Scheffer shared with me during our consultation. Grant never tried to force me to accept any sales pitch. I was immediately impressed that Grant walked down the outside of my house to verify any shading; he looked in the attic to ensure the structure could support the panels and electrical wiring could be installed and looked at my outside electrical boxes. Grant told me about the cash rebate that the panel company was offering. Grant offered state laws and information that help you to understand that is process is taken very serious by the electrical companies and the government. There is a lot of paper work involved in this process, along with engineering drawing. Columbia is only 50 miles (1-hour drive) from me so they are closer to get to me if I need repairs or equipment upgrade. I had two other quotes also. Grant had the same 310-volt panels as the other two sales reps from Charleston, SC and they were asking $35,000 for the same brand panels with no cash rebate. South Coast Solar had the same panels for $24,000 with the end of the year cash rebate from the solar panel company. The other two Charleston based companies were so overpriced. I asked Grant is there other voltage of panels about any other panel and he said yes. There was a 410-volt panel for about $3,000 more. I wanted a quote for those panels and those are the panels I chose. South Coast Solar offered a 25-year warranty on the solar panels and the labor. Other companies did not. The Better Business Bureau had the company listed with a very good rating and any complaints were resolved. (No business is perfect and as long as your customer service can work to appeal the customer, I can work with that.) South Coast Solar from Columbia, SC sent three installers, Stevie, Bennett, Chris and Steve to my house on Feb. 28, 2020 to install my 9.02kw system, 22 SunPower 410AC modules with SunPower monitoring. These four young men did an excellent job. They involved me in the entire process and explained everything to me as they installed various components and equipment. I received a really good education on solar panels. These young men were very polite and respectful. They never deviated from the engineering drawing even when I told them I approved of relocating a few solar panels to the other end of the house on the back. These young men take this process serious and they work by the laws that keep them safe and employed. I was truly impressed that another Master Electrician, Steve, showed up around 12:30pm to verify and ensure the work of the electrician and his wiring was in code and correct. Suggestions for improvement – always have more than one price quote at a consultation. People are on fixed budget so have a price range from a low price to the best quality price. Some people like low and some like the latest and greatest in technology. This is a win-win for everyone.
Read more
Latest review
Psquare, over 1 month
I chose South Coast Solar from Columbia, SC because of the knowledge that Grant Scheffer shared with me during our consultation. Grant never tried to force me to accept any sales pitch. I was immediately impressed that Grant walked down the outside of my house to verify any shading; he looked in the attic to ensure the structure could support the panels and electrical wiring could be installed and looked at my outside electrical boxes. Grant told me about the cash rebate that the panel company was offering. Grant offered state laws and information that help you to understand that is process is taken very serious by the electrical companies and the government. There is a lot of paper work involved in this process, along with engineering drawing. Columbia is only 50 miles (1-hour drive) from me so they are closer to get to me if I need repairs or equipment upgrade. I had two other quotes also. Grant had the same 310-volt panels as the other two sales reps from Charleston, SC and they were asking $35,000 for the same brand panels with no cash rebate. South Coast Solar had the same panels for $24,000 with the end of the year cash rebate from the solar panel company. The other two Charleston based companies were so overpriced. I asked Grant is there other voltage of panels about any other panel and he said yes. There was a 410-volt panel for about $3,000 more. I wanted a quote for those panels and those are the panels I chose. South Coast Solar offered a 25-year warranty on the solar panels and the labor. Other companies did not. The Better Business Bureau had the company listed with a very good rating and any complaints were resolved. (No business is perfect and as long as your customer service can work to appeal the customer, I can work with that.) South Coast Solar from Columbia, SC sent three installers, Stevie, Bennett, Chris and Steve to my house on Feb. 28, 2020 to install my 9.02kw system, 22 SunPower 410AC modules with SunPower monitoring. These four young men did an excellent job. They involved me in the entire process and explained everything to me as they installed various components and equipment. I received a really good education on solar panels. These young men were very polite and respectful. They never deviated from the engineering drawing even when I told them I approved of relocating a few solar panels to the other end of the house on the back. These young men take this process serious and they work by the laws that keep them safe and employed. I was truly impressed that another Master Electrician, Steve, showed up around 12:30pm to verify and ensure the work of the electrician and his wiring was in code and correct. Suggestions for improvement – always have more than one price quote at a consultation. People are on fixed budget so have a price range from a low price to the best quality price. Some people like low and some like the latest and greatest in technology. This is a win-win for everyone.
4.53 129 Reviews
Latest review
Les Peterson, 1 week ago
Sunpro Solar was my choice because of their warrantees of the panels, inverters, and installation. They also price matched the competition which had a much less warrantee. They took care of all the details with installation, inspections and start up with Public Service Company of New Mexico.
Read more
Latest review
Les Peterson, 1 week ago
Sunpro Solar was my choice because of their warrantees of the panels, inverters, and installation. They also price matched the competition which had a much less warrantee. They took care of all the details with installation, inspections and start up with Public Service Company of New Mexico.
Latest review
Shelly Aubuchon - TECO, over 1 month
<br />
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!!
4.42 8 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Very pleased with our solar installation and would highly recommend Hilton Head Solar. Steven and his team go above and beyond to meet all your needs. Installation was done neatly and in a timely manner. It is wonderful to work with a company that cares about their customers. Not only do we love our minimal electric bills but seeing on the provided app how many CO 2 emissions saved.
Read more
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Very pleased with our solar installation and would highly recommend Hilton Head Solar. Steven and his team go above and beyond to meet all your needs. Installation was done neatly and in a timely manner. It is wonderful to work with a company that cares about their customers. Not only do we love our minimal electric bills but seeing on the provided app how many CO 2 emissions saved.
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 />
4.17 4 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
We worked with Seth Gunning on our contract and he has been very helpful, knowledgeable, and attentive. He followed up with us and has met with us to explain all the components, helping us to make the right decision for our budget.
Read more
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
We worked with Seth Gunning on our contract and he has been very helpful, knowledgeable, and attentive. He followed up with us and has met with us to explain all the components, helping us to make the right decision for our budget.
4.07 20 Reviews
Latest review
Nikki G, over 1 month
Overall we feel we got the best products we could get for the price we wanted to pay. I spoke to couple referrals and they said any time they had a question or service issue they responded fast.
Read more
Latest review
Nikki G, over 1 month
Overall we feel we got the best products we could get for the price we wanted to pay. I spoke to couple referrals and they said any time they had a question or service issue they responded fast.
4.06 3 Reviews
Latest review
Tony Lazarus, over 1 month
Frank is completely professional in every aspect of his desire to deliver as perfect a job as possible.<br />
Read more
Latest review
Tony Lazarus, over 1 month
Frank is completely professional in every aspect of his desire to deliver as perfect a job as possible.<br />
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