Georgia Solar Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates (2024 Guide)
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Though Georgia relies heavily on natural gas and nuclear power for electricity, it’s slowly growing renewable energy resources throughout the state. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Georgia currently ranks No. 7 for solar installations nationwide.
Going solar helps to reduce your carbon emissions and lower your utility bills, however, it can be expensive. You can maximize your savings even more by taking advantage of solar incentives, tax credits, and rebates. Learn about Georgia’s available solar incentives below and check out our guide to top solar companies.
What Are the Solar Tax Credits and Rebates in Georgia?
Unfortunately, Georgia has limited solar incentives to help residents lower solar panel installation costs. The state doesn’t offer a tax credit or property and sales tax exemptions. Instead, Georgia homeowners should use federal incentives and net-metering programs to save on solar energy systems.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
All Georgia homeowners can apply for the federal tax credit to lower solar installation costs. Previously called the solar investment tax credit (ITC), The federal solar tax credit offers 30% of installation costs back as a tax credit. During tax time, this credit helps lower your owed federal income tax. The federal solar tax credit applies to all residential photovoltaic (PV) systems and includes rooftop solar panels, roofing, and solar batteries. As of 2023, you can also apply for standalone energy storage savings.
To qualify for this credit, you must legally own your solar system. Your chosen solar financing option plays an important role in ownership. Payment options such as up-front cash payments and solar loans grant legal ownership. System ownership remains with the solar provider with payment options, such as solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs). Unless you have no plans to own your system, we recommend selecting cash payments or solar loans for system purchases.
Solar Easement Laws
Although not a solar rebate or incentive, this law does protect homeowners’ rights to unobstructed sunlight for solar panels. Surrounding neighbors or commercial properties cannot block the sunlight to your panels in any way. If they do, they are bound by law to resolve the issue. Resolutions could include tree trimming services or removing sun-blocking objects. If homeowners experience any problems, they should contact their local building department for more assistance.
More resources: Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for details on Georgia’s solar easement laws.
Additional Energy Efficiency Incentives
Although Georgia’s solar programs are limited, you can still receive additional rebates for energy efficiency upgrades.
For example, Central Georgia EMC offers rebates of up to $400 for various upgrades, including qualifying electric heat pumps and water heaters. Georgia Power offers a rebate program for installing a Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charger. These upgrades could help improve your home’s efficiency and comfort levels. They could also boost your solar system’s efficiency, increasing possible energy savings.
We recommend checking DSIRE for local incentives and rebate programs for energy efficiency upgrades.
Does Georgia Offer Net Metering?
Additional solar savings are available through net metering programs. These programs allow homeowners to send excess energy generated by their systems to the power grid in exchange for credits on their future electric bills. Credits remain on your account for a set time frame and help reduce future energy costs.
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) allows net metering in Georgia but does not require utility companies to offer the program. Utility companies can opt into net metering and set their credit payout rate. Previously, Georgia Power offered a solar buyback program similar to net metering but capped program funding in 2021.
We recommend checking with your utility company for details on available net-metering programs.
How Much Does Going Solar Cost in Georgia?
According to Energy Sage, Georgia solar panels cost around $2.63–$3.55 per watt (W). Based on this pricing, your solar panel system will fall between $13,132–$17,768. Total installation costs depend on several factors, such as monthly energy needs, local solar pricing, and your system size. We recommend comparing prices from at least three Georgia solar companies to find the best deals.
Is Going Solar in Georgia Worth It?
Despite the state’s limited solar incentives, home solar systems are worth the investment for Georgia residents. The state offers an ideal environment for solar, receiving 218 sunny days per year. Solar arrays work best in areas with ample sunlight, leading to better system production and energy bill savings. Homeowners can extend their cost savings with available net-metering plans and additional energy efficiency upgrades.
Our Conclusion
Although the Georgia government has yet to make plans to extend its solar incentives, homeowners should still consider switching to renewable energy. If state officials implement a renewable energy portfolio, additional incentives could be introduced to promote solar growth. For now, residents should use the federal solar credit and net-metering options to help lower installation costs. We recommend getting at least three quotes from solar companies to find the best rates and value. Please use our tool below to assist you with solar energy quotes.
FAQ About Solar Tax Incentives in Georgia
What is the solar tax exemption in GA?
Unfortunately, Georgia does not offer any solar tax exemptions for residential installations. This includes property tax and sale tax exemptions. Homeowners will incur these added taxes when they install a solar system.
Will installing a solar system increase my home value in Georgia?
Yes, installing a solar system will increase your property value. Like any home improvement project, converting to solar energy boosts home value. However, Georgia does not offer a property tax exemption for solar systems. That means your property taxes will increase due to your higher home value.
Does Jackson EMC still offer solar rebates in Georgia?
No, Jackson Electric Membership Corporation (Jackson EMC) no longer offers solar rebates to its customers. Its Right Choice Sun Power Solar Rebate Program ended in 2022.
What is the state solar rebate for GA?
Georgia does not offer a state solar rebate. Instead, homeowners can use the federal solar tax credit to decrease installation costs by 30%. This credit applies to your federal taxes to lower to eliminate your tax liability. Georgia residents that own their solar system can apply for this incentive.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
