There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
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
Learn what solar incentives are available to Georgia homeowners
See what Georgia solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Georgia solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Georgia
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% 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 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
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.
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.
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Prices based on a 12.1kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
40 solar companies in Georgia provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.71 216 Reviews
Carrie, over 1 month
When we got a quote for solar we made it clear that we did not want our power bill to be more than we were currently paying, because if it wasn’t going to save any money then what was the point after all. I understand that there is a cost with the panels but if we are generating our own power then our actual energy costs should be minimal or nonexistent. When the Renu rep came to the house to discuss the options (because there are several ways you can use the panels), he explained that some power companies will allow you to stay on their grid for a “facility fee” of $3.00/ kWp/month. For our home our system is 8.03 kWp, so I was thinking ok not too bad, roughly $24-$25/ month to stay on the grid and be able to still pull off the grid if we need to. This option was in leu of being strictly off the grid with batteries. The way it was explained is that we would sell our power we made to the power company (Energy United) for the same rate we would buy back the power we used. In essence if we made more than we used, it would go back as a credit on our account. This is how it was explained to us. We had this option or we could get the battery packs and disconnect from the grid. For us, this sounded like the best option. We agreed and actually had a second house installed with panels as well. It did take a while (like 3 months or so) to get all the paperwork and approvals before they actually scheduled an install date. The install was quick. They did both houses on the same day (one is across the road from the other) and were done shortly after lunch. It then took another month or so before we got the okay to actually activate the panels. (This was apparently due to something on Energy United’s end). When we finally got our first bill after activating the panels, it was a lot higher than we expected. It did not show where we had been given a credit for what we had made but there was that new facility charge. When I contacted Renu they said it was an Energy United problem. I spoke with the Energy United rep and they said they have 2 different options for solar with them (this had not been explained). The scenario I was sold on by the Renu rep was not what they signed me up for. I had never even been told about this other option. I was able to get Energy United to switch me to the option I had initially agreed to, but was told I could only change it once. So, the next bill comes after the corrections, and now there are all these extra fees. I am now being charged not only the “facility charge”, but also a “standby charge”. These fees for one property are $56.20 every month, regardless. The. There is tax and a renewable energy mandate. Before solar my power bills were usually around $70-$80 or less in the spring and fall and $130 a month in the summer (costs more to cool). Now, they also advertise a 26% tax credit and sell it like you’ll be getting 26% back of the purchase price in tax refund. They even discount the payments for 18 months to allow you to get that tax money back. You can then apply that to the loan to keep the payments the same or keep it and the payments go up. Well, you do not get 26% tax credit on solar. That is a flat out lie. We got like $1,300 credit for this system, which costs about $30,000 (without batteries!). I am now paying 2-3 times more with solar than I would if I had just stayed on the grid. I have even reached back out to Renu to see about adding the battery packs and getting off of Energy United’s grid (because if I’m going to be paying that much I might as well apply it to payments that may one day be paid off). I cannot get anyone to talk with me about just adding packs. They keep calling me to discuss adding a solar power system even after I’ve explained that I have ready been duped into but not one but TWO systems from them already. I was just looking at my power bill from this time last year with solar and even though I generated $65.97 worth of power and only used $24.13 worth, I still had to pay an additional $25.98 thanks to the fees Energy United added on. I very much was hoping this would be an economical and sustainable energy source, but it is not. Please make sure you contact the power company you are with first before you agree to staying on the grid. Do NOT rely on a Renu Energy representative to give you all the facts and details. If you’re power bill is <$150/ month on average, you are better off to stay where you are. Solar is NOT for you. At least not now anyways.
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Carrie, over 1 month
When we got a quote for solar we made it clear that we did not want our power bill to be more than we were currently paying, because if it wasn’t going to save any money then what was the point after all. I understand that there is a cost with the panels but if we are generating our own power then our actual energy costs should be minimal or nonexistent. When the Renu rep came to the house to discuss the options (because there are several ways you can use the panels), he explained that some power companies will allow you to stay on their grid for a “facility fee” of $3.00/ kWp/month. For our home our system is 8.03 kWp, so I was thinking ok not too bad, roughly $24-$25/ month to stay on the grid and be able to still pull off the grid if we need to. This option was in leu of being strictly off the grid with batteries. The way it was explained is that we would sell our power we made to the power company (Energy United) for the same rate we would buy back the power we used. In essence if we made more than we used, it would go back as a credit on our account. This is how it was explained to us. We had this option or we could get the battery packs and disconnect from the grid. For us, this sounded like the best option. We agreed and actually had a second house installed with panels as well. It did take a while (like 3 months or so) to get all the paperwork and approvals before they actually scheduled an install date. The install was quick. They did both houses on the same day (one is across the road from the other) and were done shortly after lunch. It then took another month or so before we got the okay to actually activate the panels. (This was apparently due to something on Energy United’s end). When we finally got our first bill after activating the panels, it was a lot higher than we expected. It did not show where we had been given a credit for what we had made but there was that new facility charge. When I contacted Renu they said it was an Energy United problem. I spoke with the Energy United rep and they said they have 2 different options for solar with them (this had not been explained). The scenario I was sold on by the Renu rep was not what they signed me up for. I had never even been told about this other option. I was able to get Energy United to switch me to the option I had initially agreed to, but was told I could only change it once. So, the next bill comes after the corrections, and now there are all these extra fees. I am now being charged not only the “facility charge”, but also a “standby charge”. These fees for one property are $56.20 every month, regardless. The. There is tax and a renewable energy mandate. Before solar my power bills were usually around $70-$80 or less in the spring and fall and $130 a month in the summer (costs more to cool). Now, they also advertise a 26% tax credit and sell it like you’ll be getting 26% back of the purchase price in tax refund. They even discount the payments for 18 months to allow you to get that tax money back. You can then apply that to the loan to keep the payments the same or keep it and the payments go up. Well, you do not get 26% tax credit on solar. That is a flat out lie. We got like $1,300 credit for this system, which costs about $30,000 (without batteries!). I am now paying 2-3 times more with solar than I would if I had just stayed on the grid. I have even reached back out to Renu to see about adding the battery packs and getting off of Energy United’s grid (because if I’m going to be paying that much I might as well apply it to payments that may one day be paid off). I cannot get anyone to talk with me about just adding packs. They keep calling me to discuss adding a solar power system even after I’ve explained that I have ready been duped into but not one but TWO systems from them already. I was just looking at my power bill from this time last year with solar and even though I generated $65.97 worth of power and only used $24.13 worth, I still had to pay an additional $25.98 thanks to the fees Energy United added on. I very much was hoping this would be an economical and sustainable energy source, but it is not. Please make sure you contact the power company you are with first before you agree to staying on the grid. Do NOT rely on a Renu Energy representative to give you all the facts and details. If you’re power bill is <$150/ month on average, you are better off to stay where you are. Solar is NOT for you. At least not now anyways.
4.58 13 Reviews
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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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.
4.52 153 Reviews
Glenn S., 6 days ago
Despite some issues with a local subcontractor, the initial Project Manager, Andre Leon, and Technical Support Officer, Akil Dabir, were always responsive and helpful throughout the process and worked to keep us on track and get us live as soon as possible. The process was otherwise seamless and we are happy with the installation, project cost/value, and financing Solar SME arranged. SolarSME were transparent, fair and forthright throughout the process, and did everything they could to get us up and running as quickly as possible, and we are happy with the end result.
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Glenn S., 6 days ago
Despite some issues with a local subcontractor, the initial Project Manager, Andre Leon, and Technical Support Officer, Akil Dabir, were always responsive and helpful throughout the process and worked to keep us on track and get us live as soon as possible. The process was otherwise seamless and we are happy with the installation, project cost/value, and financing Solar SME arranged. SolarSME were transparent, fair and forthright throughout the process, and did everything they could to get us up and running as quickly as possible, and we are happy with the end result.
4.51 23 Reviews
Andrew Navratil, over 1 month
AES has been an exceptional partner in helping us design the solar and battery system that best meets our needs. Over several months and multiple phone calls, emails, video chats, and a site visit, they educated us extensively on possible options and helped narrow and tailor a system that best meets our goals of sustainability, saving money, and having backup power during outages. I contacted numerous solar installers and AES stood out from the rest. They engaged me as an intelligent consumer, educated me, and never applied pressure or tried up-sell me. I highly recommend them to anyone considering solar panels or a battery. They impressed me as knowledgeable experts committed to meeting my needs.
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Andrew Navratil, over 1 month
AES has been an exceptional partner in helping us design the solar and battery system that best meets our needs. Over several months and multiple phone calls, emails, video chats, and a site visit, they educated us extensively on possible options and helped narrow and tailor a system that best meets our goals of sustainability, saving money, and having backup power during outages. I contacted numerous solar installers and AES stood out from the rest. They engaged me as an intelligent consumer, educated me, and never applied pressure or tried up-sell me. I highly recommend them to anyone considering solar panels or a battery. They impressed me as knowledgeable experts committed to meeting my needs.
Shelly Aubuchon - TECO, over 1 month
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4.46 44 Reviews
Bobbie Taylor, over 1 month
My husband and I used South Coast Solar. We found them to be very detailed, transparent and supportive. There was absolutely no pressure and our rep, Charro Hanahan, was very patient during our virtual and in-person meetings. She wanted to make sure we were clearly understanding all elements of the process. Since our initial purchase of 28 panels, we have added a Tesla power wall from South Coast Solar. Our experience with Charro and other members at South Coast Solar has been very professional, punctual, and supportive.
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Bobbie Taylor, over 1 month
My husband and I used South Coast Solar. We found them to be very detailed, transparent and supportive. There was absolutely no pressure and our rep, Charro Hanahan, was very patient during our virtual and in-person meetings. She wanted to make sure we were clearly understanding all elements of the process. Since our initial purchase of 28 panels, we have added a Tesla power wall from South Coast Solar. Our experience with Charro and other members at South Coast Solar has been very professional, punctual, and supportive.
4.45 1,761 Reviews
Brian Whisler, 1 day ago
Started installation process beginning July was given estimated windows. Knowing that a lot of processes would take time I let most of it just run its course. About two months later I was the one who had to reach out to get a status update and still couldn’t get a proper update. After getting the run around I was told it would be another week or so. After that date passed I still didn’t hear back. Early that following week I got a message that was oh, by the way your permit and everything ready and we have an installation open tomorrow. Unfortunately it didn’t work for me and had to wait another month for an available time to open up. Day of installation was pretty smooth tech’s nice and help. Sadly while getting into the attic the roof tile was broken and not informed about. As my son was going to sleep that night he freaked out about it telling me something was wrong. I informed my representative about the damage and was told I would hear back. (Take a guess if I’ve heard back yet) then I multiple emails telling me they’d like me to follow up and leave a review. Here it is.
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Brian Whisler, 1 day ago
Started installation process beginning July was given estimated windows. Knowing that a lot of processes would take time I let most of it just run its course. About two months later I was the one who had to reach out to get a status update and still couldn’t get a proper update. After getting the run around I was told it would be another week or so. After that date passed I still didn’t hear back. Early that following week I got a message that was oh, by the way your permit and everything ready and we have an installation open tomorrow. Unfortunately it didn’t work for me and had to wait another month for an available time to open up. Day of installation was pretty smooth tech’s nice and help. Sadly while getting into the attic the roof tile was broken and not informed about. As my son was going to sleep that night he freaked out about it telling me something was wrong. I informed my representative about the damage and was told I would hear back. (Take a guess if I’ve heard back yet) then I multiple emails telling me they’d like me to follow up and leave a review. Here it is.
4.38 7 Reviews
Jexum, over 1 month
Jacob and the Solar Pros’ team we’re excellent. Everything worked the way they said, and that includes costs, savings, dates, appearance, function etc. of our solar system. They cleaned up the worksite when finished, which some installers don’t bother doing. They treated our home like they would theirs. We are likely expanding our solar system next year, and we will be using Georgia Solar Pros to do so. We couldn’t have had a better experience. Highly recommended.
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Jexum, over 1 month
Jacob and the Solar Pros’ team we’re excellent. Everything worked the way they said, and that includes costs, savings, dates, appearance, function etc. of our solar system. They cleaned up the worksite when finished, which some installers don’t bother doing. They treated our home like they would theirs. We are likely expanding our solar system next year, and we will be using Georgia Solar Pros to do so. We couldn’t have had a better experience. Highly recommended.
Tom Wells, over 1 month
Great work by SOENSO<br />
4.23 22 Reviews
Andrew Lane, over 1 month
It has nearly been a year since we identified problems with our solar system which was installed almost 3 years ago! Almost brand new and a year into Solar one charge controller of 3 and the main interface pad have died! Scott Earp has been aware since the beginning and has still not repaired or replaced the faulty parts, In spite of promising to get it done over and over! I have asked and asked and asked, called and called and called and still nothing! To add insult to Injury I helped turn a neighbor to add more Solar with Southern Energy View last Summer and figured when Scott or his guys were installing that 8kW and a 10kWh Battery(I believe) and driving right past my house they would stop in for an hour or less and make the repair! Of course I was calling and texting Scott about just that to make sure he didn’t forget! Well he did and still here are are almost 5 months later still waiting for what must be a simple repair! I decided to write this and add one to the BBB too to get his attention and get it fixed! Our solar production looks to have dropped in half or more from Jackson EMCs bills! Who will repay is for that lost Solar I wonder?
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Andrew Lane, over 1 month
It has nearly been a year since we identified problems with our solar system which was installed almost 3 years ago! Almost brand new and a year into Solar one charge controller of 3 and the main interface pad have died! Scott Earp has been aware since the beginning and has still not repaired or replaced the faulty parts, In spite of promising to get it done over and over! I have asked and asked and asked, called and called and called and still nothing! To add insult to Injury I helped turn a neighbor to add more Solar with Southern Energy View last Summer and figured when Scott or his guys were installing that 8kW and a 10kWh Battery(I believe) and driving right past my house they would stop in for an hour or less and make the repair! Of course I was calling and texting Scott about just that to make sure he didn’t forget! Well he did and still here are are almost 5 months later still waiting for what must be a simple repair! I decided to write this and add one to the BBB too to get his attention and get it fixed! Our solar production looks to have dropped in half or more from Jackson EMCs bills! Who will repay is for that lost Solar I wonder?