Georgia is one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the Southeast. The state offers a full property tax exemption, a sales tax exemption, and Georgia Power net metering. Note: the 30% federal ITC expired December 31, 2025. Here's the complete 2026 guide.
Georgia is one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the Southeast, and for good reason. The state has high sun exposure, rising electricity rates from Georgia Power, a full property tax exemption for solar, and Georgia Power's net metering program. While Georgia does not have a state income tax credit for solar, these incentives still make solar a strong investment for most homeowners. Note: the 30% federal tax credit expired December 31, 2025.
Georgia Solar Incentives Overview (2026)
| Incentive | Value | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Federal ITC (30%) | Expired Dec 31, 2025 — no longer available for 2026 purchases | — |
| Georgia Property Tax Exemption | 100% of added home value | All GA homeowners |
| Georgia Power Net Metering | Retail-rate bill credits | Georgia Power customers |
| Sales Tax Exemption | State sales tax waived | All GA homeowners |
Note: Georgia does not have a state solar income tax credit. The federal ITC expired December 31, 2025 — Georgia Power net metering and the property tax exemption are now the primary financial drivers.
Federal Solar Tax Credit — 2026 Update
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners purchasing systems in 2026 no longer qualify. Solar leases and PPAs are the exception — the installer can claim commercial credits and pass savings through in the monthly rate. See IRS Form 5695 for the official guidance.
Georgia Property Tax Exemption
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-41) exempts the added value of a solar energy system from your property tax assessment. Solar panels typically increase a home's value by $15,000–$20,000, but under this exemption, your property tax bill does not increase. The exemption is automatic — no application required.
Georgia Sales Tax Exemption
Georgia exempts solar energy equipment from the state's 4% sales tax. On a $24,000 system, that saves approximately $960 at purchase. This applies to solar panels, inverters, racking, and other system components.
Georgia Power Net Metering
Georgia Power offers net metering to residential solar customers. Excess generation is credited to your bill at the avoided cost rate — which is lower than the retail rate. This is less favorable than the retail-rate net metering offered in states like Colorado and New Jersey, but still meaningful for offsetting bills.
Georgia Power customers can also participate in the Advanced Solar Initiative (ASI), which pays a fixed rate for solar generation for 10 years. Check Georgia Power's website for current program availability.
Georgia Solar Savings Estimate
For a typical Georgia home using 1,100 kWh/month (Georgia averages are among the highest in the US due to air conditioning loads):
- System size needed: 8–10 kW
- Gross system cost: $24,000–$30,000
- Federal ITC (30%): Expired Dec 31, 2025 — not applicable for 2026 purchases
- Net cost (no federal ITC): ~$24,000–$30,000 before other incentives
- Monthly bill savings: $90–$130
- Simple payback period: 10–14 years
- 25-year savings: $20,000–$35,000
Use our free solar savings calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your Georgia Power bill.
Best Georgia Cities for Solar
- Atlanta — largest installer market in the state, competitive pricing, Georgia Power territory
- Savannah — high sun exposure, coastal climate, growing installer market
- Augusta — strong sun hours, lower cost of living means lower labor costs
- Columbus — Georgia Power territory, competitive installer market
- Macon — central Georgia, excellent sun exposure, growing solar market
- Roswell / Alpharetta — Atlanta suburbs with high average home values and strong ROI
Explore solar options by city: Atlanta, GA · Savannah, GA · Augusta, GA · Columbus, GA · Macon, GA
How to Go Solar in Georgia
1. Get multiple quotes — Georgia has a competitive installer market; getting 3+ quotes typically saves $2,000–$5,000
2. Check Georgia Power net metering — confirm your system size qualifies and review current ASI program availability
3. Install and interconnect — your installer handles Georgia Power interconnection paperwork
4. Confirm Georgia Power net metering — review the Advanced Solar Initiative (ASI) program availability
5. Property and sales tax exemptions are automatic — no separate application needed
Note: the 30% federal ITC expired December 31, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia have a state solar tax credit?
No, Georgia does not have a dedicated state income tax credit for solar installations. The primary financial incentives for Georgia homeowners are the state's property tax exemption, sales tax exemption, and Georgia Power's net metering program. Note: the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit expired December 31, 2025.
How much does solar cost in Georgia after incentives?
A typical 8–10 kW system in Georgia costs $24,000–$30,000 before incentives. After the property tax exemption and sales tax savings, the effective net cost is approximately $23,000–$28,800. Most Georgia homeowners see a payback period of 12–16 years and 25-year savings of $15,000–$28,000. Note: the 30% federal ITC expired December 31, 2025.
Does Georgia Power offer net metering?
Yes. Georgia Power offers net metering to residential solar customers, crediting excess generation at the avoided cost rate. Georgia Power also offers the Advanced Solar Initiative (ASI), which pays a fixed rate for solar generation for 10 years. Check Georgia Power's website for current ASI availability.
Is solar worth it in Georgia?
For most Georgia homeowners, yes — especially those with high summer electricity bills from air conditioning. Georgia has excellent sun exposure and a full property tax exemption. The main limitation is Georgia Power's below-retail net metering rate, which reduces the value of excess generation compared to states with retail-rate net metering. Note: the 30% federal ITC expired December 31, 2025.
What is the Georgia solar property tax exemption?
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-41) exempts the full added value of a solar energy system from your property tax assessment. This means your property taxes do not increase when you add solar panels, even though solar typically increases home value by $15,000–$20,000. The exemption is automatic — no application is required.
Get free quotes from vetted local Georgia installers at SunLynk and use our solar savings calculator to see your personalized numbers.
