Solar Panels in Georgia
Growing Solar Market in the Peach State
$1,100/yr
Avg. Annual Savings
5.2 peak hrs/day
Peak Sun Hours
10–14 years
Payback Period
$13,000–$20,000
Avg. System Cost
Overview
Is Solar Worth It in Georgia?
If you live in Georgia, you might have noticed that many of your fellow Georgians have installed solar energy systems in their homes. By last year, Georgia was home to more than 300,000 residential solar energy systems. And the local solar market is only set to grow in the next half-decade.
With that in mind, it's not a bad idea to consider getting a jump on solar panels yourself -- especially with the Georgia solar incentives making this a more affordable investment.
Benefits
Why Go Solar in Georgia
Reduce Your Electric Bill
Georgia homeowners save an average of $1,100/yr after going solar.
State & Local Incentives
Georgia offers property tax exemptions, net metering credits, and other state-level incentives that reduce your net cost. The federal 30% ITC expired Dec 31, 2025.
Increase Home Value
Solar panels increase your home's resale value — and are excluded from property tax in most states.
Energy Independence
Lock in your electricity rate and protect against rising utility costs for 25+ years.
Available Incentives
Georgia Solar Incentives & Tax Credits
Federal Solar Tax Credit (Expired)
Tax CreditGeorgia homeowners who purchase their solar system outright or with a loan are eligible for state and local incentives -- the federal 30% ITC expired Dec 31, 2025, so property tax exemptions, net metering, and state-specific programs now drive the payback math.
Net Metering
Net MeteringGeorgia Power and other utilities offer net metering, crediting you for excess solar energy sent to the grid. Credits can offset future bills.
Property Tax Exemption
Tax ExemptionGeorgia exempts the added value of solar installations from property tax assessments, so your taxes won't increase when you go solar.
What Changed in 2026 for Georgia Solar
The federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025 — here's what that means for Georgia homeowners and what options remain.
The 30% Federal Tax Credit Has Expired
The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Georgia homeowners purchasing solar in 2026 no longer qualify for the 30% credit. A typical 8kW system that previously cost ~$10,500 after the ITC now costs $15,000–$18,000 before state incentives. Georgia does not have a state income tax credit for solar, so this expiration has a larger impact here than in states like South Carolina or New York that have their own credits.
Lease and PPA Customers Are the Exception
Solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are still a viable path in 2026. The installer retains ownership of the system and can claim commercial federal tax credits, passing savings through as a lower monthly rate. For Georgia homeowners who want to go solar without a large upfront investment, a lease or PPA may now be the more cost-effective option compared to a cash purchase.
What Still Drives the Math in Georgia
Georgia's property tax exemption (added solar value excluded from assessment) remains in place, and Georgia Power's net metering program continues to credit excess generation. Rising utility rates -- Georgia Power has filed for multiple rate increases -- strengthen the long-term case for solar even without the federal credit. Expect payback periods of 10–14 years for 2026 purchases, compared to 7–10 years when the ITC was available.
Common Questions
Georgia Solar FAQ
Local Solar Companies
Solar Companies by City in Georgia
Find pre-vetted local solar installers in your city. Compare quotes and start saving.
Deep Dive
Read our complete Georgia solar incentives guide
Every rebate, tax credit, and net metering rule explained in detail.
Ready to go solar in Georgia?
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