Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, reducing your regular electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Augusta Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: georgiapower.comIncentive Amount:
Single Family
Central AC Replacement: $50
Air/Duct Sealing: $300
Attic Insulation: $250
Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Home Energy Assessment: $150
Smart Thermostat: $75
Heat Pump conversion: $250
Multifamily
Central AC Replacement: $25
Air/Duct Sealing: $150
Attic Insulation: $125
Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Home Energy Assessment: $75
Smart Thermostat: $38
Heat Pump conversion: $125
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: cgemc.comIncentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Augusta
The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.
Licensing and Training
Georgia doesn't have contractors' licenses specific to solar energy, but the law does require solar installers to be licensed electrical contractors. The Georgia Secretary of State manages licenses and business filings. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Augusta
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company offers these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.
Most Augusta homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $18,700 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,128 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $879 |
| Thin-Film | $514 |
| Solar Battery | $722 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,706 |
Financing Solar Energy in Augusta
Choosing the optimal financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each business you're considering about the payment options it offers. A representative can help you determine the best option for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Augusta.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.8 years |
| 2 kW | 3.5 years |
| 5 kW | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | 17.7 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Augusta
How much money could I save by going solar in Augusta?
Is solar energy widely available in Augusta?
Will solar energy systems increase my Augusta home value?
How many years does a standard solar system last?
Is solar installation a quick job?
What's the average solar system size in Augusta?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
In contrast, solar loans can come from local banks, specialty lenders, the government and installer. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are larger, and you'll be responsible for upkeep, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more benefits.
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