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Atlanta Solar Panels: 2022 Cost and Local Incentives

Written by Jordan Smith /

Edited by Jamie Cesanek

Last updated 01/10/2023

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Get an estimate of solar cost and savings at your home.

View of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Key Points

  • The average cost of solar in Atlanta is $35,730 before tax credits and incentives.
  • Local and federal tax credits can help lower the net cost, and you could recover your solar investment after about 12.8 years.

Ready to go solar? Call 877-307-7668to be connected with a solar expert today!

Atlanta solar panels

Solar panels may be a great financial investment for your Atlanta home and an opportunity to increase your energy independence. If you’re considering installingsolar panels, SaveOnEnergy can help you learn about your options, from the cost of solar in Atlanta to financial incentives and installers. Georgia’s competitive prices for solar installation have helped it become one of theleading states in the nation for solar power generation. It currently has enough installations to power over 525,000 homes, according to the SEIA.

Cost of solar panels in Atlanta

The average cost to install solar panels in Atlanta is about  $3.97 per watt. The city has an average installed system size of 9 kilowatts (kW), which brings the total system cost to $35,730. Atlanta residents pay slightly more than the national average, which is about $3.91 per watt. At the same size, the average U.S. system would cost $35,190.

How much do solar panels cost in Atlanta in 2022?

The cost of a solar panel installation varies depending on the system size your home requires, panel materials, roof condition, and more. However, you can save significantly on electricity costs after you have paid off your installation.

You can estimate your potential savings based on the average solar system cost in Atlanta ($35,730) and Georgia’s typical monthly electricity bill (162.41). The average payback period — or time it takes to recover the installation costs — for an Atlanta solar panel system is 12.8 years. Over the course of 25 years with solar, you can expect to save about $23,712. Electricity costs tend to increase gradually over time, so your savings could be even higher.

Average solar panel cost by system size in Atlanta

Price Per WattSystem Size (kW)Cost
Atlanta$3.979 kW$35,730
U.S.$3.919 kW$35,190

Your total solar system size depends on roof condition and size, energy needs, and more. You can get an idea of how much electricity your system would need to produce to cover 100% of your consumption by analyzing your monthly usage.

In Atlanta, the average household requires a 9-kW solar panel system to cover its energy needs, which totals to an average installation cost of about $35,730. Keep in mind that you’ll probably end up paying less than this figure since you can claim tax credits and other incentives to help cover the cost. The federal tax credit for solar installations is 30% of the total installation cost. You could expect to make savings of over $10,700 on an average-priced solar system thanks to this credit.

Get an exact quote from our solar advisors

The SaveOnEnergy marketplace helps you search, compare, sign up and save on the right energy fit for your home — all for free. If you’re interested in solar, answer a few questions to get an exact price quote from our solar advisors.

1. Complete the form below
2. Schedule an appointment with a solar advisor
3. Get an exact price quote for solar panels for your home

Incentives for solar panels in Atlanta

The main incentive available to residents purchasing solar panels in Atlanta is the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit. In addition to the federal credit, you may find local or regional incentives to recover installation costs more quickly. You should also check with your local utility company to see if it has any solar incentive programs.

IncentiveLocal, State, or Federal?Incentive details
Residential Clean Energy CreditFederalYou can receive a credit for 30% of your total solar panel installation cost for systems installed on your primary or secondary residence.
Net Metering/Net BillingStateGeorgia has a net metering program, which allows customers to sell excess energy back to the grid at the retail rate. However, the program has a low monthly cap of 5,000 customers or 32 megawatts of capacity. After the cap is reached, all other customers can only sell solar energy at a much lower “avoided cost” rate. 

Solar companies in Atlanta

Atlanta solar customers have numerous installation companies to choose from. Picking from such a large list can be challenging, but it also allows you to select the best one for your needs. The SaveOnEnergy marketplace can help you do just that. We can connect you with a trusted provider or solar advisor to help you understand costs, battery installations, and more. If you want expert advice, call our solar energy team or fill out our online form to receive further useful information.

Is going solar in Atlanta right for you?

Atlanta residents can access solar energy in several ways. If buying your own solar panels is too expensive or impractical, you can consider options like leasing or entering a power purchase agreement (PPA). Renters may also want to look into the option of community solar projects.

Solar for renters

If you rent an apartment or a house, installing your own solar panels probably isn’t an option. As an alternative, you can explore a community solar project if one is available near you. Community solar projects are often created to reach communities with limited access to solar energy. A community solar project usually has a centralized location where the panels generate solar energy. Participants subscribe to the array to share its power and receive bill credits. 

Solar for homeowners

If you own your own home, buying solar panels may be the best way to achieve long-term savings and increase your home’s resale value. However, your roof must be in good condition and suitable for panels to generate enough solar energy. 

You can also opt for a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) or a lease to access solar energy without making an upfront investment. Both involve paying a solar company to manage panels installed on your home. The price you pay duringthe PPA may change depending on your monthly usage. Through leasing, you would pay a flat monthly fee for your solar panels. During the lease period, you own the energy produced by the panels. However, you will not have access to the 30% federal tax credit if you choose the lease or PPA route.

Solar power FAQs

  • The average cost of solar panels in Atlanta is $3.97 per watt. A typical household needs a 9-kW solar system to generate its energy needs. Installing a system of this size would cost approximately $35,730 prior to any savings through incentives like the federal tax credit.

  • Solar power is a great investment for Atlanta residents because you can secure electricity cost savings for many years. The estimated payback period for Atlanta solar installations is 12.8 years. However, after 25 years with solar, you could save up to $23,712 or more.

  • In Atlanta, you can choose from several great solar panel installers. The SaveOnEnergy marketplace has all the information you’ll need to make the right decision. You can learn about different providers, read reviews, and talk to a solar expert to get their advice. We can also connect you with a solar installer to get started.

  • Solar energy helps curb the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere because it is a green energy source. As the use of solar energy and other renewables grows, it can play an important role in lessening the effects of climate change and other environmental damage caused by excessive levels of CO2 in the air. You can help reduce your home’s carbon footprint by investing in your own solar panels.

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