Georgia Solar Incentives & Rebates (2025): Complete Guide
Georgia homeowners can save $9,000-15,000+ on solar installations through federal tax credits, property tax exemptions, Georgia Power programs, and net metering. Here's everything you need to know about Georgia solar incentives in 2025.
Georgia Solar Incentives at a Glance
1.Federal Solar Tax Credit (30% ITC)
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the largest solar incentive available to Georgia homeowners, allowing you to deduct 30% of your total solar system cost from your federal taxes.
How Much Can You Save?
- •$20,000 system = $6,000 federal tax credit
- •$30,000 system = $9,000 federal tax credit
- •$40,000 system = $12,000 federal tax credit
Important: Tax Credit vs. Rebate
The ITC is a tax credit, not a refund. You need to owe at least that much in federal taxes to benefit fully. The credit can be carried forward to future tax years if you don't owe enough in one year.
Eligibility Requirements:
- ✓System must be installed between 2022-2032
- ✓Property must be your primary or secondary residence in Georgia
- ✓You must own the solar system (not leased)
- ✓System must be new or being used for the first time
[VERIFY] The 30% ITC rate is locked in through 2032, then drops to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 before expiring entirely.
2.Georgia Property Tax Exemption
[VERIFY] Georgia offers a limited property tax exemption for solar energy systems. While not as comprehensive as some other states, it can still provide meaningful savings depending on your county.
How It Works:
- •Exemption Amount: Varies by county; typically covers a portion of the added home value from solar installation
- •Duration: Varies by local jurisdiction
- •Estimated Savings: $500-2,000 over the life of the system, depending on your county's tax rate and exemption policy
Important: Property tax exemption policies vary by county in Georgia. Check with your county tax assessor's office to confirm specific exemption amounts and application procedures.
3.Georgia Power Solar Programs
Georgia Power, the state's largest utility serving over 2.6 million customers, offers several programs for solar customers:
Solar Buyback Program
[VERIFY] Georgia Power's solar buyback program allows customers to sell excess solar energy back to the grid.
- •Rate: Avoided cost rate (typically 3-5 cents per kWh)
- •Lower than retail rate but still provides value for excess generation
- •Monthly credits applied to your electricity bill
Net Metering Policy
[VERIFY] Georgia does not have statewide net metering at retail rates. Instead, utilities compensate solar customers at avoided cost rates for excess generation.
Note: While this is less favorable than full retail net metering, properly sized systems that match your energy usage can still provide excellent financial returns through self-consumption and reduced grid purchases.
Interconnection Standards
Georgia Power provides standardized interconnection procedures for residential solar systems up to 10 kW, making it straightforward to connect your system to the grid.
Note: Electric cooperatives and municipal utilities in Georgia may have different solar programs. Contact your local utility for specific policies.
4.Other Georgia Utility Programs
[VERIFY] In addition to Georgia Power, other utilities serving the state offer solar programs:
Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs)
Georgia's 41 EMCs serve rural and suburban areas. Many offer their own solar programs:
- •Interconnection procedures for residential solar
- •Buyback rates vary by cooperative
- •Some offer community solar programs
Municipal Utilities
Cities like Atlanta, Marietta, and Dalton operate municipal utilities with their own solar policies. Contact your local municipal utility for specific programs and interconnection procedures.
5.Example: Total Savings Breakdown
Here's a real-world example of how these incentives stack for a typical 10 kW solar installation in Georgia:
Including federal credit, property tax savings, and first-year electricity savings
Plus ongoing savings: A 10 kW system in Georgia typically saves $1,500-2,000/year on electricity bills. Over 25 years, that's $37,500-50,000 in electricity savings alone.
25-Year Total Value:
6.How to Claim Georgia Solar Incentives
Choose a Licensed Georgia Solar Installer
Select a licensed contractor experienced with Georgia requirements and your utility's interconnection process. Get multiple quotes to ensure competitive pricing.
Complete Installation & Interconnection
Your installer will handle permits, installation, and utility interconnection. Keep all receipts and documentation for tax filing.
File for Federal Tax Credit
Complete IRS Form 5695 with your tax return for the year your system was installed. Consult a tax professional to maximize your credit.
Apply for Property Tax Exemption
Contact your county tax assessor's office to apply for the solar property tax exemption. Requirements and application procedures vary by county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solar worth it in Georgia without full net metering?
Yes! While Georgia doesn't offer retail-rate net metering, the federal 30% tax credit and high electricity rates (averaging 12-14 cents per kWh) make solar financially attractive. The key is sizing your system to match your usage, maximizing self-consumption rather than exporting excess to the grid.
What is Georgia Power's buyback rate for solar?
[VERIFY] Georgia Power's buyback rate is based on avoided cost, typically 3-5 cents per kWh. This is lower than the retail rate you pay for electricity (12-14 cents per kWh), which is why it's important to size your system to use most of the energy you produce.
Does Georgia offer any state tax credits for solar?
[VERIFY] Currently, Georgia does not offer state income tax credits for residential solar. However, the federal 30% tax credit and property tax exemptions still provide significant savings for Georgia homeowners.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself in Georgia?
With the federal tax credit and high electricity costs, most Georgia solar systems pay for themselves in 8-12 years. After that, you enjoy 13+ years of virtually free electricity (aside from minimal maintenance costs). The payback period is faster in metro Atlanta where electricity rates tend to be higher.
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