Solar panels in Georgia

Solar panels in Georgia cost about $37,400 for a system that covers a typical resident’s usage. While the initial cost of home solar panels is significant, Georgia solar panels could help residents save thousands on energy bills. Georgia solar panel programs supporting solar adoption can also help make solar panels more affordable.

Georgia is investing in solar energy now more than ever. The Peach State ranks seventh in the nation for solar generation, with enough installed capacity to power more than 626,000 homes, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). 

Electricity rates in Georgia have risen steadily over the years and could continue to increase. Energy Information Administration (EIA) figures show that residential rates in Georgia in 2022 were 12% higher than in 2021 and have increased every year since 2018. Solar can be a great solution to rising energy costs. Given the falling solar costs and a growing number of incentives, 2023 is a great year to invest in solar panels in Georgia.

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Georgia solar panel cost

According to the SEIA, the cost of solar panels in Georgia has decreased by 43% in the last decade. Solar panel prices are measured in dollars per watt, while most solar system sizes are shown in kilowatts (kW). One kW equals 1,000 watts. Based on data from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the average solar system size in the U.S. is 8.6 kW and costs $3.67 per watt for a total installed price of $31,558 before tax incentives.

According to Find Energy, most households in Georgia need a 10 kW system to cover their energy usage. The state’s average price for solar panels is $3.74, which equals a total installed cost of approximately $37,400. There are a variety of tax credits and incentives to help bring the price down. Here’s how we calculated that installed cost:

($3.74 price per watt X 10 kW system size) X 1,000 = $37,400

Georgia residents use a high amount of electricity each month, likely due to the warmer climate. This higher energy consumption contributes to the state’s slightly larger solar system sizes. The following is a breakdown of the average solar panel costs in Georgia compared to the national average.

The following table shows the cost of solar panels for various system sizes using the state’s average price per watt of $3.74. In addition, the table includes an estimate of the number of solar panels required for each system size based on 300- and 400-watt solar panels. A solar installer will help determine the number of panels your system requires.

*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.

How does Georgia solar save money?

In 2022, Georgians paid an average residential electric bill of $150 per month or $1,800 per year, based on Georgia’s annual average energy rate and typical usage level. Residents who invest in a solar panel system that completely covers their energy usage could almost eliminate their electricity bills. Most solar owners remain tied to the grid, so there will still be some utility connection fees even if your solar panels power your entire home.

With the state’s average energy bill and solar panel costs in mind, you can expect to experience a return on your investment in Georgia in under 15 years. The more you save on energy bills, the shorter your payback period could be. Here’s how we calculated the average payback period in Georgia:

(Total system cost – 30% tax credit savings) ÷ Annual electricity bill costs = Payback period

$26,180 system cost after federal tax credit ÷ $1,800 annual energy bills = 14.5 years

Free solar panels in Georgia scam

Solar panel scams are becoming more common as the residential solar industry grows. You may encounter door-to-door salespeople or phone calls offering free solar panels in Georgia. Some reputable solar companies prefer to market their services in person, but those offering free panels are most likely a scam aimed at getting you to sign a misleading contract. Currently, no credible programs or installers offer free solar panels in Georgia.

Some installers may market their zero-down financing options as a way to go solar for free. However, taking out a solar loan is not the same as getting free solar panels. Zero-down solar loans may have higher interest rates or less desirable terms. Be sure to thoroughly read the details of a solar loan before signing a contract.

Factors affecting Georgia solar panel costs

The cost of solar panels in Georgia is unique to each individual’s requirements. Several factors play a role in determining the cost of solar, including:

The best Georgia solar panel incentives or rebates

Solar panels are expensive, but Georgia solar incentives can help you lower the initial cost. The Residential Clean Energy Credit is a 30% federal solar tax credit that can be applied to solar systems purchased and installed through 2032. To qualify, you must buy solar panels and install them in your primary or secondary residence. After applying for the tax credit, you’ll receive 30% of the cost of your solar system in credit when you file your federal tax return the following year.

There are also state and local solar incentives available in Georgia. The following table outlines a few Georgia solar panel incentives in 2023 to consider before purchasing a system.

Solar incentives in Atlanta

Atlanta passed its Sustainable Building Ordinance in 2017, which requires all major renovations and new construction of city-owned and city-funded buildings to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) New Construction standards.

• To meet LEED standards, buildings must undergo a review process and earn points to become certified.
• Solar panels are one of the technologies builders can incorporate to meet these standards.
• This ordinance encourages more use of renewable technology across the city, which can help reduce Atlanta’s carbon footprint.

The following shows the percentage breakdown of LEED credits:

• 35% address climate change
• 20% impact on human health
• 15% relate to water resources
• 10% affect biodiversity
• 10% address green economy
• 5% impact on community and natural resources

Solar incentives in Chamblee

Chamblee, another city in northern Georgia, has sustainable building requirements similar to Atlanta. This initiative aims to raise the energy efficiency levels of all city-owned buildings by investing in renewable technologies, including solar panels.

• New city-owned buildings over 5,000 square feet or worth $1 million or more must become certified under LEED standards.
• Solar panels are among the eligible technologies that qualify for this certification.
• LEED certifications aim to save money, improve energy efficiency, lower buildings’ carbon footprints, and improve human health.

Why choose Georgia solar power?

As electricity prices rise nationwide, residents turn to solar power to reduce their reliance on the grid. This can help significantly reduce traditional electricity bills while lowering your home’s carbon footprint.

Lower energy costs

The national price of electricity rose about 4.6% from June 2022 to June 2023, according to the EIA. Rising energy costs are a primary reason many turn to solar panels in Georgia. Instead of paying for electricity from the power grid, you can power your home with energy generated by your solar system, leading to a significant (and sometimes immediate) reduction in your monthly energy bills.

Improved energy independence

Investing in home solar panels in Georgia is one way to increase your energy independence. While most solar system owners remain connected to the power grid, they have more protection from energy rate increases when demand spikes. If you install a solar battery backup, you can store excess power during low production and may be able to retain power during an outage (depending on the battery).

In Georgia, it’s legal to install an off-grid solar system and live completely separate from the power grid. This would mean you cannot use electricity from the grid when your system does not produce power (like at night or when it’s cloudy), so most solar customers remain grid-tied. However, those interested in off-grid solar systems in Georgia would be able to take a big step toward energy independence. Battery storage is imperative if you choose to disconnect your home from the grid.

Go green

Solar energy is a renewable resource, so it’s better for the environment than fossil fuels. Traditional power sources like coal and oil produce greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide when burned. Solar energy does not emit greenhouse gasses, making it a cleaner and more sustainable alternative. By switching to solar power (or another type of green energy), you can reduce your carbon emissions and shrink your home’s environmental footprint.

Should I buy or lease my solar panels?

If you’re interested in solar panels for your home, there are a few financing options to consider. You could buy or finance your solar panels upfront with a solar loan. Both options allow you to own your solar system, making you eligible for Georgia solar incentives. On the other hand, you can lease your solar system or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA). These options let you access solar without the large upfront costs and avoid maintenance requirements, but you will be ineligible for incentives and won’t own your system.

Georgia solar panel companies

The SEIA estimates there are 80 solar installers operating in Georgia. SaveOnEnergy works with top-tier solar companies to bring you the leading solar products and a curated customer experience. If you’re ready to take the next step towards solar panels for your home, fill out our solar estimator or call the number on this page to learn more about how much you could save with solar. 

Solar installers	Year founded	Financing options	Warranty terms
	2011	Cash purchase or solar loan	25-year manufacturer warranty and production guarantee
	2009	Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease	25-year quality-of-work and 25-year product warranties
	2010	Cash purchase, solar loan, lease, or PPA	Minimum 12-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee
	2018	Cash purchase or solar loan	30-year performance warranty, 25-year panel warranty, and 25-year quality guarantee
	1985	Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease.	25-year full system warranty

How to find the best solar installer in Georgia

As the number of solar installers increases in Georgia, it’s important to know the criteria to consider when weighing your options. Price is typically a top customer concern, but the total cost of a solar array depends on several factors, including your energy usage. For this reason, you likely won’t find a single price tag listed on an installer’s website because every solar system is custom. Instead, you’ll need to provide information about your home and usage habits so the installer can offer you a personalized quote. We recommend getting quotes from multiple licensed installers so you can compare prices.

In addition to cost, consider these factors:

• Financing: Cash payments, loans, and leases are installers’ most common financing options. However, different installers offer different financing options. For example, unlike Palmetto, ADT Solar does not offer solar leases or PPAs. Understanding which financing route works best for you will help you determine which installer fits best.
• Warranties: Installers offer solar warranties, although the terms will vary. Most installers extend performance warranty on their systems, guaranteeing they will operate at a set efficiency level. Quality-of-work warranties are also common and promise quality installation and protection from damage during installation. Some installers guarantee manufacturer or product warranties. Comprehensive warranty terms normally indicate that an installer can be trusted to deliver a quality solar system and will offer replacement, repairs, or some kind of solution if your solar system underperforms.
• Manufacturers: There are several popular manufacturer brands in the solar industry, like Tesla, Enphase, Q-CELL, and more. Most manufacturers offer a warranty on the quality of their products, so it’s helpful to know about these warranties in addition to those offered through your installer. An experienced solar adviser can help you select the equipment suitable for your needs. Many installers source products and materials from various manufacturers — check which manufacturers work with an installer before signing a contract.

Important solar installation factors to consider

Solar is an excellent investment for Georgia homeowners, but several factors can impact how successful a solar system will be. The following are a few aspects to consider before making the switch.

• Condition of your roof: According to the Department of Energy, solar panels will produce the most power when installed on a south-facing roof at an angle of 15 to 40 degrees. If your roof is older or needs repairs, you may need to replace it before installing solar panels. Replacing or maintaining your roof could be an additional expense that isn’t baked into the price of your solar system.
• Weather in your area: Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity, meaning that your system will produce the most power if your roof is unobstructed from the sun. While solar panels can still generate electricity in indirect sunlight, they will be much more cost-effective when they receive at least four hours of direct sun daily.
• HOA or neighborhood rules: Depending on where you live, you may need to request approval to add solar panels to your property. Check with your HOA or housing community before purchasing your panels. You can also work with your installer to help deal with potential restrictions.