Georgia solar 101: must read before you buy solar panels

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.

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 32 MW of connected solar capacity, whichever comes first. As of June 2021, there were about 2,100 participants and 1,900 pending applications. After reaching the cap, Georgia Power will switch 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 then 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.

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 cancelled 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.

It is legal to install solar panels on your house in Georgia. However, the state doesn’t have any specific laws to protect its residents from restrictions imposed by homeowners associations (HOAs). Thus, you may be required to submit your project for approval before changing the exterior of your house. The board may ask you to hide the system from view, reduce the number of panels or just reject your proposal. Contact your HOA or study its declaration and rules to find more information.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Georgia is one of the ten states with the highest risk of a hurricane. Severe storms bring damage and devastation, cutting people off the utility grid for days. Solar panels are able to withstand most hurricanes, and they are very useful in case of a blackout. Year 2020 brought hurricane Zeta, which left more than 800,000 Georgians in the dark. The Environmental Protection Agency says extreme weather events are occurring more often and gaining in intensity – yet one more reason to consider going solar.