Comprehensive Handbook on Installing Solar Panels in Georgia

While the Peach State boasts strong potential for eco-friendly energy production, the cost of solar panels in Georgia repels many households from this opportunity.

Ranking 7th nationwide, Georgia has enough installed solar capacity to power over 600,000 homes, covering the energy needs of more than 2,000,000 users. This state residents enjoy around 218 sunny days per year, which is above average in the U.S.

In many counties, people can choose between cheap, low-efficiency polycrystalline panels and more expensive monocrystalline options. The abundant sunlight will still likely mean savings over time, even with the cheapest solar panels in Georgia. If the homeowner chooses monocrystalline panels and installs batteries, they can go completely off the grid even in winter!

Today, you will discover all you need to know about the installation of solar systems. We will share up-to-date prices, financial options, and money-saving tips to ease your purchase of solar panels in Georgia. Get your pads from the shelf since today you’ll get a ton of helpful info to explore.

Benefits Of Solar Panels in Georgia

Switching to solar power offers many advantages, impacting your finances, environment, and community. As you generate your electricity, you become less reliant on the grid, reducing your bills over time.

Solar panel installation increases home value. Multiple studies show that homes with solar panels are 3-7% more expensive than similar houses without. That’s why many solar installers in Georgia promote eco-friendly power production as a long-term investment.

Solar power is a clean and renewable source, minimizing your contribution to gas emissions and climate change. By choosing solar, you help reduce air and water pollution associated with traditional energy sources.

Brief History Of Georgia Solar Panels Adoption

Georgia’s journey with solar energy has been a tale of untapped potential, promising beginnings, and lingering policy debates. While the Peach State enjoys abundant sunshine, its embrace of solar power hasn’t always mirrored its natural radiance. That’s why the history of solar panels in Georgia has many ups and downs.

1. The seeds of solar policy were sown in 1978 with the Solar Easements Act, ensuring continued access to sunlight for early adopters. The 1980s witnessed the dawn of larger installations. One of the more modern and the best-known examples of those installations is the Spectro PowerCap, completed in the fall of 2011.
2. The 1990s were the “silent era” of solar in the peachy state. There were several solar installers in Georgia, but eco-friendly power production was still considered the “geek’s entertainment.”
3. The new millennium has brought life into Georgia’s solar communities. The Georgia Cogeneration and Distributed Generation Act of 2001 paved the way for small-scale renewable systems to connect to the grid. Solar panels in Georgia are increasingly becoming a common sight.
4. Georgia’s solar capacity soared, propelling it to the third-highest rank in the nation by 2008. However, there are still debates about possible net metering, and all solar installers in Georgia are aware of it.

As of 2024, there still needs to be a state-wide policy about metering. Many major electricity providers have chosen the path of least resistance by ignoring eco-accountable clients. So, we recommend that you check whether your power provider supports metering.

Despite lacking robust state incentives, Georgia still ranks seventh in the U.S. for installed solar capacity as of 2020. Many solar installers in Georgia help people go entirely off the grid, eliminating their power bills.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost to Install in Georgia?

According to the statistics, the average cost of solar in this area varies from $2.33 to $2.9 per watt. Thus, you’ll pay approximately $14,000 for a typical 5-kilowatt (kW) system. Doubling the system size to 10 kW would be approximately twice the cost.

The final price of a solar panel can change depending on several factors, such as roof sustainability, installer team, and financing options. You can also ask for incentives, which can help you save money in the long run. Overall, while the initial cost of solar panels in Georgia can be high, this investment will pay off in the long term.

It’s worth noting that although larger systems come with a higher price tag, you’ll also receive a higher tax credit toward your federal tax bill.

To help you determine the possible cost of solar panels for home usage, we pre-calculate the approximate investment. We consider $2.75 as the median price for a watt. However, the final cost of solar panels in Georgia can vary depending on the manufacturer and installer team.

Georgia Solar Incentives

While Georgia doesn’t currently offer statewide solar rebates, there are still ways to save money on your system. You can use federal tax credits, implement net metering, and look for local incentives. It lowers the cost of installation of a solar system in your case.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credits

If you want to lower your solar costs, consider the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). It won’t reduce initial solar prices but will save you money in the long run. Under the tax credit concept, instead of directly taking money off the price, the government reduces the income tax you owe by a certain percentage of the solar panel system’s cost.

As of 2024, the current tax credit on solar panels in Georgia is 30%. It will remain the same until 2032. However, it will lower to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. There will be no tax solar credits from 2035 unless Congress extends it.

While there’s no maximum claim limit, it’s crucial to calculate your potential tax credit carefully. The amount you can claim for your solar panels in Georgia depends on your chosen financing option.

Consult with a local tax professional to ensure you understand and comply with all eligibility requirements and claiming procedures. Some solar installers in Georgia take over this job to facilitate your life.

Net Metering

That incentive allows homeowners with solar panels to sell excess electricity to the grid, receiving a credit on their electricity bill. That way, you can lower your average electricity bill in Georgia to save even more money.

Georgia is one of the few states without a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) goal. To reduce your electricity cost in Georgia, seek netting offers from local suppliers.

Examine the electricity bill to determine your power provider. Sometimes, neighbors from nearby streets can have different power suppliers. That’s why many solar installers in Georgia don’t consider net metering a universal cost-saving option.

You may hear their recommendations to buy a few additional batteries to use previously generated energy even at night. It allows you to go completely off-grid.

Local Incentives

Although Georgia lacks statewide incentives for solar panels, there are potential savings available at the local level. It’s advisable to explore rebates offered by local utility companies.

For instance, the city of Marietta Renewable Energy Incentive provides a $1,000 credit for the first ten eligible applicants each year. The city of Decatur Solar Power Rebate offers a $500 rebate for new solar installations.

Some counties in Georgia offer property tax exemptions for solar-powered homes. Research your specific county’s policies to see if they have such programs. Consult with your local solar installers in Georgia, as they have information about programs available for your ZIP area.

What Affects the Cost of Solar Panels in Georgia?

Various factors, both internal and external, influence the final price of solar panels. The most influential internal factors for solar installers in Georgia are:

• The system’s size
• Roof sustainability
• Chosen panel type
• Additional hardware

Carefully assess your energy needs to determine your household’s optimal system type and size.

Factors like roof size, angle, and shading also impact the installation of the solar system. They lead to additional work, which may increase the final costs even more. Beware that some systems may need more external components like inverters, which directly affects the price.

Regarding external factors, look closely at the installer team, your location, and needed permits. Different solar installers in Georgia have varying pricing structures and overhead costs. Certain counties and cities might experience higher installation costs due to logistical factors or local permitting requirements.

Pick manufacturers and solar installers in Georgia that provide extensive warranties. It may initially cost you more but will benefit you in the long run. Ensure that the chosen system has an advanced product and performance warranty.

As your first research step, determine potential financing options and select multiple mounting teams. This way, you can pre-estimate the average cost to install solar panels and be more confident about choosing the best installer team. Check all possible incentives to reduce the upfront cost.

Potential Maintenance For Solar Panels in Georgia

Luckily, most solar panels are low-maintenance power production systems. All you may need to do is visually inspect and clean them once every few months. You can use your favorite telescopic mop to clean the dust and bird droppings from the panels. Just ensure you use a fabric mop head so as not to scratch the system.

If you notice any damage on the panels, refrain from attempting to fix it yourself, as doing so may void the warranty. Instead, contact the installer team, and they will take care of the necessary repairs for you.

The warranties from solar installers in Georgia cover the most common damages. In most cases, you don’t need to pay extra funds.

Top 8 Solar Installers in Georgia

To ease your initial search, we’ve gathered Georgia’s eight best companies in Georgia. Some of those solar installers in Georgia have worked for almost 50 years, while others are still waiting for their 10th anniversary. They all share a common thread of customer trust, making it safe for you to confidently collaborate with any of these solar installers.

Alternative Energy Southeast

Source: Alternative Energy Southeast

AES is a reputable and well-regarded Georgia solar installer founded in 2007. You can be sure of AES’s quality of work since all its experts are certified by NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners).

1. Alternative Energy Southeast provides a 25-year performance and workmanship warranty. They have a customer-friendly price policy.
2. AES average package varies from $10,000 to $25,000. You can pay by card, check, cash, money order, or ask for financing through their partner, GreenSky. They also offer a 10% discount for cash payments and a 5% discount for check payments.

Better Tomorrow Solar

Source: Better Tomorrow Solar

It’s one of the most promising solar installers in Georgia. They emphasize sustainability and customer education to build trust and offer cost-effective solutions. As NABCEP-certified installers, Better Tomorrow Solar will provide the best workmanship to you.

Depending on your needs, you can choose between multiple installation packages. With BTS, you don’t have to worry about collecting legal permits; they can do this job for you. They offer over seven payment options, including modern electronic wallets and crypto transfers.

Solar Sale USA

Source: Solar Sale USA

Founded in 2014, this solar energy company is known for the fast and reliable installation of solar systems. You can find Solar Sale USA offices in Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and even Chicago. They are NABCEP-certified professionals who provide 25-year workmanship and extensive power guarantees.

The company offers multiple installation packages, varying prices from $12,000 to $ 18,000. They accept checks, credit/debit cards, automated clearing house (ACH) Payments, and bank wires. If you can’t pay for panels immediately, you can choose between multiple financing options Solar Sale USA provides.

Mann Solar

Source: Mann Solar

It’s one of the few solar installers in Georgia that operates across the United States. They offer a range of clean energy solutions, including:

• Solar panel installation
• Battery storage systems
• Electric vehicle charging stations

This company is NABCEP-certified, so you can be sure about their exceptional work.

Mann Solar team accepts cash, major credit cards, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and direct bank transfers. It’s one of the solar companies in Atlanta that offers multiple financing options, including loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs), to make eco-friendly energy more accessible.

Sunshine Solar (Radiance Energy)

Source: Radiance Energy

A highly promising Georgia solar installer that presents itself as a safety-conscious, customer-oriented provider of solar solutions. They offer installation, financing, energy auditing, Solar repair, and many other services.

Sunshine Solar is a woman-owned company ranked among the 10 best solar companies in Georgia. Their team has NABCEP and BBB certificates, so you can be calm about the work quality of those solar installers in Georgia.

Creative Solar USA

Source: Creative Solar USA

This team offers solar panel installation and related services for homes and businesses. Founded in 2008, they have a long record in the industry. As of 2024, they work across the Southeast Coast, including Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

The Creative Solar USA team is certified by NABCEP, BBB, SEIA, CRE, LEED, and IREC. Experienced professionals ensure your installation, offering various financing options such as loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) for greater accessibility to solar energy.

It is one of the most affordable solar installers in Georgia. The installation packages in Creative Solar USA vary from $5,000 to $15,000. They also provide additional discounts, like a 10% discount for seniors, a 10% discount for veterans and military personnel, or 10% off for referring a friend.

Southern View Energy

Source: Southern View Energy

It’s a Georgia solar installer with a long-standing history of solar installation services confirmed by thousands of user reviews and industry certifications like NABCEP and BBB accreditation. They provide both residential and commercial installation services.

Solar panels in Georgia from Southern View Energy fall within the typical range, estimated between $15,000 and $30,000. They offer financing options and discounts for full payments.

Solar Energy Labs

Source: Solar Energy Labs

Pioneering the industry in Georgia since 1975, this solar installer has maintained its position as the leading team in the state for nearly 50 years. They also provide a 25-year performance and full product guarantee on their panels and batteries.

Solar Energy Labs offers pre-configured packages starting from $5,995, with detailed pricing for each option listed on its website. This commendable transparency allows customers to compare the cost of solar panels in Georgia in advance.

They also offer various financing options and discounts, such as:

• 10% off for seniors
• 10% off for military personnel
• 10% off for first-time customers
• 5% off for bulk orders

Financing Options To Go Solar in Georgia

Choosing the most cost-effective solar financing option for solar panels in Georgia depends on several factors, including your financial situation, risk tolerance, and system size.

Most solar installers in Georgia support a cash purchase. This method will provide the lowest panel cost in the long run since you can avoid interest payments while maximizing federal tax credit benefits. However, this approach requires a significant initial investment, which is not feasible for everyone.

Source: Eco Watch

A solar loan has a lower upfront cost than a cash purchase, but interest rates can add up a few thousand to the overall cost. Here, you can choose between various loan terms from local solar installers in Georgia. At the same time, you should have a high credit score (700 or more) to achieve favorable rates.

A Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit (HELOC) is another affordable funding option. If you have good credit and equity in your home, it potentially has lower interest rates than solar loans. However, it puts your home at risk if you can’t make payments. That’s why you should pick a highly reputable Georgia solar installer and be confident in your payment capacity if you decide to use HELOC financing.

If none of those options fit you, take a closer look at solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). They can lower the cost of solar panels in Georgia for you. You don’t need to save thousands of dollars for the initial payment. You will also get predictable monthly payments; some PPAs even cover maintenance.

However, you don’t own the system in either case. It means you can’t claim the federal tax credit benefit. So, in the long run, the cost of solar panels in Georgia in your case may become even higher than in those who signed up for a solar lease.

Are Solar Panels Worth It In Georgia?

Whether solar panels are “worth it” depends on your circumstances and priorities. However, considering the Peach State, one of the most sun-kissed states, you can generate enough energy to power your house even with low-efficiency polycrystalline panels. If you decide to place efficient monocrystalline solar panels in Georgia, you will produce enough energy to go completely off-grid.

By installing solar panels in Georgia, you can enjoy immunity from potential blackouts and outages. But beware of the drawbacks of solar energy. Despite available incentives and collaboration with top solar installers in Georgia, the substantial upfront cost remains a noteworthy challenge.

Furthermore, if your roof does not qualify for panel installation, there might be an additional expense of a few thousand dollars for modifications and the removal of objects causing shading issues.

Additionally, if your roof is not eligible for panel installation, there might be an additional expense of thousands of dollars to modify it and remove objects that shade the system. The final cost of solar panels in Georgia may be unpredictable so consider that fact while estimating the budget.

Despite the limitations, solar panels in Georgia can be a worthwhile investment for many homeowners. It especially benefits families with high energy consumption. Carefully consider your specific situation while picking solar installers in Georgia. Solar Power Systems will gladly help you find the best solar installers in Georgia. Contact us to get a consultation!

Jed Hilton

Jed Hilton, our Founder and CEO, has over a decade of experience in the solar industry. His innovative leadership and expertise in solar technologies guide our company's vision and strategy.

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