Alpharetta, GA
Solar in Alpharetta
Considering home solar panels in Alpharetta? With Georgia electricity prices rising 18% since 2020, local homeowners are embracing solar energy to combat increasing utility costs in this sun-rich Atlanta suburb.
While Georgia ranks 39th nationally for residential solar installations, Alpharetta residents are leading the state’s renewable energy adoption. Let’s explore how solar installation can benefit your home and community.
Key Takeaways
- Alpharetta homeowners can save approximately $46,000 over 25 years by installing solar panels, offsetting rising electricity costs from Georgia Power and Sawnee EMC.
- The 30% federal tax credit reduces the average Alpharetta solar installation cost by about $7,444, making renewable energy more affordable than ever.
- Alpharetta’s abundant sunshine creates ideal conditions for solar energy production, with systems generating up to 54 kWh per day during peak summer months.
Solar Cost Calculator
Discover the real cost of solar in Alpharetta with our exclusive calculator. Using actual installation data from local neighborhoods like Milton, Johns Creek, and Roswell, we provide accurate estimates tailored to your specific needs. Make an informed decision about solar energy with reliable, transparent information from Palmetto’s firsthand experience.
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Estimated Investment and Savings
Based on Palmetto Solar installations in Georgia. Current electricity rate: 14.1¢/kWh. Assumes 70% credit of retail rate.
Alpharetta Electricity Prices
Alpharetta, Georgia homeowners face steadily rising electricity costs, though they remain slightly below the national average. Understanding these trends helps when considering sustainable energy alternatives.
Since 2021, Alpharetta’s electricity rates have increased from 12.5 to 14.1 cents per kWh – a 12.8% jump in just three years. This upward trend mirrors nationwide utility cost increases affecting household budgets.
Solar installation offers Alpharetta residents a practical solution to these rising costs. By generating your own clean electricity, you can significantly reduce monthly utility bills while gaining independence from future rate increases.
Over a 25+ year lifespan, solar panels provide Alpharetta homeowners with predictable energy costs and protection against inflation. This long-term stability transforms an ongoing expense into a valuable home investment.
Price of Energy: Georgia vs National Average
Alpharetta Area Utility Providers
Alpharetta residents are primarily served by two utility companies: Georgia Power and Sawnee EMC. In 2023, Georgia Power charged 14.6¢/kWh while Sawnee EMC offered a lower rate at 12.6¢/kWh.
Both utilities offered rates below the 2023 national average of 16.0¢/kWh. Sawnee EMC’s rates were also below Georgia’s state average of 13.7¢/kWh, providing Alpharetta homeowners with relatively affordable electricity compared to many Americans.
Despite these comparatively favorable rates, Alpharetta’s abundant sunshine creates an opportunity for homeowners to potentially save even more with solar installation, while also gaining energy independence and contributing to a cleaner environment.
Alpharetta Utilities Electricity Rates
Georgia Solar Incentives
Alpharetta homeowners can access various solar incentives in Georgia that significantly reduce installation costs, making clean energy more affordable than ever.
Federal tax credits cover 30% of your solar system cost, while Georgia Power offers net billing that pays you for excess electricity production at 7.3¢/kWh.
Research these incentives thoroughly as they change periodically. Acting sooner rather than later ensures you maximize available benefits for your Alpharetta solar installation.
Save an average of
$7,444
in solar rebates in Georgia
| INCENTIVE | TYPE | DESCRIPTION | SOURCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
Georgia Power’s Net Billing program offers solar homeowners a way to receive credit for excess electricity their systems produce. Unlike traditional net metering, this program doesn’t provide a one-to-one credit for exported energy. Instead, when your solar panels generate electricity that you use immediately in your home, you avoid purchasing that power at retail rates. Any excess electricity that flows back to the grid earns you a credit at a lower, fixed rate.
As of January 2024, Georgia Power values exported electricity at approximately 8.5¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This rate includes the avoided cost of power (4.5¢) plus an additional 4¢ incentive. This is an increase from the 2023 rate of 6.89¢/kWh. It’s important to note that this credit rate changes annually, and there is no rate lock-in period—you always receive the current year’s value. Credits are applied to your current month’s bill, with monthly settlement rather than annual true-up.
Any Georgia Power residential customer who installs a qualifying solar system can participate in this program. There are no specific enrollment deadlines, but understanding that the credit rate changes each year can help you plan your solar investment. When considering solar with Georgia Power, remember that self-consumption (using the electricity as it’s generated) provides the best financial return since you avoid paying retail rates, which are typically higher than the export credit rate.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Georgia incentives.
Get a Free QuoteAlpharetta Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Alpharetta’s abundant sunshine and mild climate make it ideal for solar energy, despite seasonal variations. With proper installation, solar panels can efficiently harness energy year-round, delivering substantial environmental and financial benefits.
Solar Production in Alpharetta by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Installations in Alpharetta
Discover how your Alpharetta neighbors are embracing solar energy! We’ve meticulously mapped solar installations across the community, revealing which neighborhoods are leading the clean energy revolution. Explore our interactive heatmap to see how your area compares and join the growing solar movement in Alpharetta.
Leasing Solar Panels
In Alpharetta, Georgia Power customers have access to Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) as an alternative to purchasing solar panels outright. With a PPA, you pay for the electricity your system generates at a fixed price per kilowatt-hour instead of owning the equipment.
This option eliminates upfront installation costs and ongoing maintenance responsibilities, which remain with Palmetto. For homeowners served by Georgia Power, PPAs offer immediate savings without the long-term commitment of ownership, while still reducing your carbon footprint.
Unfortunately, customers of Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) in the Alpharetta area, including Sawnee EMC, currently don’t have access to LightReach leasing options. If you’re considering solar but prefer not to purchase, check your utility provider to determine your eligibility for these flexible financing alternatives.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes excellent sense in Alpharetta due to abundant sunshine, rising electricity costs, and strong financial incentives. The area receives approximately 217 sunny days annually, providing ideal conditions for solar energy production.
With the 30% federal tax credit and Georgia Power’s net billing program, most Alpharetta homeowners see payback periods of 11-12 years and average lifetime savings of $46,000 over 25 years.
Alpharetta does not have traditional net metering. Georgia Power offers net billing where exported electricity is valued at approximately 8.5¢/kWh (as of 2024), rather than providing 1:1 credit for excess production.
Cobb EMC offers monthly net metering with 1:1 credit, while other local providers like Sawnee EMC and Jackson EMC use net billing with varying export rates between 4.5-5.5¢/kWh. Credits apply to the current month’s bill with monthly settlement rather than annual true-up.
Yes, solar panels typically increase home values in Alpharetta, GA. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar systems.
For the median Alpharetta home value of around $600,000, this could represent a $24,600 increase. This premium reflects both the energy savings potential and growing buyer interest in sustainable home features throughout North Fulton County.
In Alpharetta, a typical residential solar system costs between $17,000-$25,000 after the 30% federal tax credit. For an average 9kW system, homeowners pay approximately $2.78 per watt installed.
Factors affecting cost include system size, roof complexity, equipment quality, and installation company. Most Alpharetta homeowners recover their investment within 11-12 years through utility bill savings.
Solar is financially worthwhile for many Alpharetta homeowners. With Georgia’s abundant sunshine and rising electricity rates (up 18% since 2020), a typical solar system pays for itself in 11-12 years.
After applying the 30% federal tax credit, most homeowners see approximately $46,000 in savings over 25 years. Your specific return depends on your electricity usage, roof orientation, and utility provider’s policies.
As a national company with strong local presence, we’re proud to be Alpharetta’s trusted solar provider. With over 2,471 installations across Georgia since 2020, Palmetto offers comprehensive solar solutions backed by industry-leading expertise.
Our flexible financing options, exceptional customer service, and extensive installation network make solar accessible and hassle-free for Alpharetta homeowners seeking energy independence and substantial utility savings.