Complete Guide to Solar Energy in Georgia
Your complete resource for solar energy. Everything you need to know about solar laws, solar costs, solar financing, and solar installation in Georgia.
Why Georgia is Perfect for Solar Energy
Abundant Sunshine
Georgia receives 218 sunny days per year with excellent solar radiation levels, providing 5.1 peak sun hours daily. The state’s consistent sunshine makes it ideal for year-round solar energy production.
Competitive Electricity Rates
With average rates of $0.15/kWh from Georgia Power and rising costs expected through 2026, solar provides increasing value. Georgia’s average monthly electric bill of $243 is well above the national average, making solar savings significant.
Utility Net Billing
Utilities in Georgia have net billing structures for residential solar users. Georgia Power, and some power utilities in the state offer up to 3.7¢/kWh.
Net Metering Available
Georgia Power and many EMCs offer net metering programs, allowing you to receive credit for excess solar energy sent to the grid. The 5,000-customer cap was recently removed, expanding access to this valuable program.
Quick Solar Facts
Explore Solar Topics
Laws & Regulations
Georgia net metering policies, proposed Homegrown Solar Act (2025), HOA regulations, utility interconnection requirements, and permitting process through local jurisdictions.
Residential Solar
Complete guide for homeowners covering system sizing for Georgia’s climate, panel selection, inverter options, net metering enrollment with Georgia Power and EMCs, and maximizing self-consumption.
Costs & Savings
2026 pricing breakdown, cost per watt analysis, savings calculations by utility provider (Georgia Power, Jackson EMC, Cobb EMC), payback period estimations, and 25-year ROI projections.
Financing Options
Solar loans, lease agreements, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
Installation Guide
Choosing licensed Georgia contractors, understanding local permits and inspections, HOA considerations, utility interconnection with Georgia Power, and obtaining net metering approval.
Solar 101
Fundamentals of photovoltaic technology, understanding panel types for Georgia weather, inverter selection (string vs. microinverters), system monitoring, maintenance in humid climates, and storm preparation.
Community Solar
Georgia Homegrown Solar Act proposals for 2025, utility community solar programs, shared solar options, and upcoming opportunities for renters and multi-family residents.
Solar Calculator
Estimate your solar savings and system requirements.
Quick Solar Savings Calculator
Important 2026 Updates
Federal ITC Expired
The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit expired on December 31, 2025. Only residential solar systems installed before that date qualify for the credit.
Net Metering Cap Removed
Georgia Power removed the 5,000-customer cap on net metering enrollment in July 2025, expanding access to this program. Residential systems up to 10 kW and commercial systems up to 250 kW now qualify for energy credits at retail rates.
Georgia Solar Laws & Regulations
Federal Incentives
30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is no longer available for new solar installations. It expired on December 30, 2025. Georgia residents can only rely on available state incentives and rebates to lower their solar installation costs.
Net Metering Programs
Georgia Power and many EMCs offer net metering with retail-rate credits for excess generation. Recent changes removed the 5,000-customer enrollment cap. Residential systems up to 10 kW eligible for instantaneous netting programs.
HOA Considerations
Georgia currently has no statewide solar access law protecting homeowners from HOA restrictions. Proposed legislation (HB389) would limit HOA ability to deny solar installations, but HOAs can currently prohibit or restrict solar panels.