Decided to go solar in Georgia? Do it the smart way: take a look at solar incentives in Georgia to make your purchase easier and more profitable. And we have just prepared the list.
Key takeaways
- Georgia is a wonderful state to install a solar energy system on your property. And a few renewable energy incentives and rebates make this idea even better, reducing the amount you need to pay for your business or residential clean energy system.
- 30% tax credit on the total cost of solar panel system installation. This clean energy credit is available to both – homeowners and companies. But hurry up, the percentage will change in a few years.
- Net metering was available through Georgia Power but the cap was met in 2021. Georgia Power now uses net billing. Net billing involves different rates for energy purchased from customers and sold, with the utility paying less for solar energy exported to the grid. Credits are used to offset future bills. Credit value is based on avoided cost rates.
- Solar Easements are written agreements to protect solar access. Voluntary contracts between property owners. Protects against shading from trees or structures. Tied to the land, not the owner. Must be a written and legal contract.
Save 30% of your PV system cost with Federal Solar Tax Credit
The US government wants more people to go solar: it’s a modern and green way of getting energy. This is why the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program was developed. It allows American citizens to claim 30% of the cost of their installation as an income tax deduction. The cost here is not only solar panels, but also shipping, installation expenses and more. For example, if your system overall made you spend $10,000, the government returns you $3,000. To claim the ITC, complete all the necessary forms and submit them when filing your taxes.
Sell excess electricity with net metering program
In Georgia, participation in net metering programs is not obligatory for all utilities and electric cooperatives. However, in 2019 the state’s Public Service Commission forced Georgia’s largest utility to offer net metering, allowing residential solar owners to put the excess electricity into the utility grid instead of storing it with batteries. The program is limited to 5,000 customers or 32MW of connected solar capacity, whichever comes first. This cap was met in 2021 and Georgia Power switched to net billing.
The main difference of net billing lies in different rates that are applied to the energy you buy and the energy you sell. The utility pays less for your energy than they charge for theirs. When you sell your solar power to the grid, you receive credits that can be used to offset your next bill. The value of the credits is determined by utility companies based on avoided cost rates.
Protect your solar panels from shade with Solar Easements
A solar easement contract is a written agreement between you and another party, for example, your neighbor. This type of contract helps to ensure that your PV system will always have adequate sun exposure, protecting you from potential obstacles. It is voluntary, but can not be canceled unless a specific clause is included in the document. Once signed, it is tied to the land, not the owner. Any such agreement must be created in written form and must meet the general requirements for legal contracts.
Top 10 myths about solar
Let's talk about putting solar panels on your house. Many people are thinking about it, but there are a lot of stories going around that might not be true. These stories, or myths, can make people unsure if solar is right for them. So, let's look at some of the most common false ideas about solar energy.
1. Myth: Solar panels only work when it's very sunny
This is a very common misunderstanding. It's true that solar panels work best when the sun is shining brightly. But they don't need constant, super-strong sunlight. Solar panels make electricity from daylight, not just direct sunlight. Even when it's cloudy, solar panels still make power. Also, when it's cold, solar panels can actually work better. So, whether you live where it's sunny all the time or where it's often cloudy, solar panels can still be a good choice.
2. Myth: Solar energy costs too much
It might seem like putting in solar panels costs a lot of money at first. But you need to think about the money you'll save in the long run. The price of solar panels has gone down a lot recently, so they are more affordable now. Also, there are programs from the government that give you money back or help you pay less taxes, which can make it cost much less. And, solar panels can make your electricity bill much smaller or even go away completely. This means you'll save a lot of money over time. Solar panels usually last for 25 years or more, so they often pay for themselves.
3. Myth: Solar panels need a lot of fixing
Solar panels don't need much fixing at all. They don't have parts that move, so they are less likely to break. Usually, all you need to do is clean them sometimes to get rid of dirt or dust that blocks the sunlight. Rain often cleans them for you, but if you live in a place with a lot of pollution or dust, you might need to clean them yourself. Modern solar panels are also made to handle bad weather, like hail, snow, and strong winds.
4. Myth: Solar panels will damage my roof
If someone who knows what they are doing puts the solar panels on your roof, they won't damage it. In fact, they can even help protect your roof from the weather. Good solar installers make sure the panels are put on tightly and sealed so that water can't get in.
5. Myth: Solar panels don't make enough electricity
Solar panels are much better at making electricity now than they used to be. It's true that no solar panel can turn all the sunlight into electricity, but they can turn a lot of it. Scientists are always working to make them even better.
6. Myth: I won't need electricity from the power company anymore
Unless you have a lot of batteries to store power and you live far away from other houses, you will probably still need electricity from the power company. When your solar panels aren't making enough power, like at night or when it's cloudy, you can use electricity from the power company. And when your solar panels make more power than you need, you can often sell it back to the power company.
7. Myth: Putting in solar panels takes a very long time and is hard
Putting in solar panels is not too hard, especially if you have people who know how to do it. From getting the papers you need to putting the panels on your roof and connecting them to your electricity, it usually only takes a few days.
8. Myth: Solar panels look bad
Older solar panels might have been big and not very nice to look at, but new ones are sleek and look good. Many companies make solar panels that blend in with your roof. Also, you can put solar panels on the ground if you don't want them on your roof.
9. Myth: People who rent can't use solar energy
While people who rent usually can't put solar panels on their roofs, they can still use solar energy through community solar programs. These programs let you pay to use part of a big solar farm, and you get money off your electricity bill.
10. Myth: It's hard to sell a house with solar panels
Houses with solar panels often sell for more money and faster than houses without them. Solar panels are a good thing to have and can make your house more attractive to people who want to buy it.
Check out solar panels near you!
Looking to build a home solar system? Check out solar panels that we have for sale in Georgia
SHOP SOLAR PANELSYears of experience in translation and a love of nature help Julia find the right words to encourage going solar. She joined the team in 2023 and is happy to make her contribution to a greener future.
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