Solar Guide
Solar in Alpharetta
Alpharetta homeowners are discovering solar energy as a smart way to reduce electricity costs and gain energy independence. With Georgia electricity prices increasing 18% from 2020 to 2024, solar panels offer a practical solution for long-term savings.
Understanding your home solar panel options is the first step toward making an informed decision about clean energy for your property.
Key Takeaways
- Alpharetta solar systems average $17,370 after federal tax credits, with most homeowners seeing 11.6-year payback periods.
- Georgia Power offers net billing credits for excess solar energy, helping reduce monthly electricity bills year-round.
- Solar panels can save $46,000 over 25 years while protecting against Georgia’s rising electricity rates.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Alpharetta neighborhoods like Windward, Country Club of the South, and Milton. Get accurate pricing based on actual local projects, not estimates.
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Alpharetta Electricity Prices
Understanding electricity costs in Alpharetta helps homeowners make informed decisions about their energy future and potential savings.
Georgia electricity rates have steadily climbed from 12.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024, representing a 13% increase over three years.
Solar panels generate electricity at a fixed cost, protecting homeowners from these rising utility rates while reducing monthly energy bills through clean power production.
Over 25 years, solar systems can shield families from decades of rate increases, providing predictable energy costs and substantial long-term financial benefits.
Price of Energy: Georgia vs National Average
Alpharetta Area Utility Providers
Alpharetta residents receive electricity from four main providers: Georgia Power, Sawnee EMC, GreyStone Power, and Cobb EMC. Based on 2023 data, these utilities offer competitive rates compared to national averages.
Georgia’s regulated utility market and abundant natural gas resources help keep electricity costs below the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh. Local utilities range from 11.7¢ to 14.6¢ per kWh.
Even with competitive rates, electricity costs continue rising over time. Solar panels can help stabilize your energy expenses by generating your own clean electricity at predictable costs.
Alpharetta Utilities Electricity Rates
Georgia Solar Incentives
Solar installation in Alpharetta becomes more affordable through available solar incentives in Georgia designed to reduce upfront costs.
Georgia Power offers net billing programs that allow homeowners to receive credits for excess solar energy produced by their systems during sunny days.
These incentives can change over time, so researching current programs helps you make informed decisions about solar investment timing.
$7,444
Average savings in Georgia solar rebates
| 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 allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credits for excess electricity they send back to the grid. Unlike traditional net metering, this program doesn’t provide a 1:1 credit for exported power. Instead, any solar energy you use directly in your home saves you money at the full retail electricity rate, while excess energy exported to the grid earns credits at a lower rate.
For 2024, Georgia Power pays approximately 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for exported solar energy, which includes 4.5 cents for avoided cost of power plus an additional 4 cents. This rate changes annually – in 2023, the export credit was 6.89 cents per kWh. Credits are applied to your current month’s electric bill with no annual rollover or cash payments for unused credits. There is no rate lock-in period, so you’ll always receive the current year’s export credit rate.
The program is available to Georgia Power customers who install qualifying solar systems. To maximize your financial benefit, it’s important to size your solar system to match your home’s energy usage patterns, since self-consumed solar energy provides greater value than exported energy. Monthly settlement means any credits earned are applied immediately to reduce your current bill.
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 humid subtropical climate and seasonal sun angles create varying solar production throughout the year, but well-designed systems still generate excellent clean energy.
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
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to create this interactive heatmap of Alpharetta. Click any hexagon to discover how many neighbors in your community have already made the switch to clean energy!
Leasing Solar Panels
Alpharetta homeowners have flexible options for accessing solar energy through Palmetto’s financing programs. For residents served by Georgia Power, Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) are available, allowing you to enjoy solar benefits without upfront costs.
With a PPA, you pay for the actual electricity your solar panels generate at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour, typically lower than your utility rate. This means higher bills during sunny summer months when panels produce more, and lower bills in winter, but consistent annual savings. Unlike purchasing a system outright, you avoid maintenance responsibilities, equipment warranties, and the initial investment while still reducing your electricity costs.
This approach provides immediate savings and predictable energy costs without the complexity of ownership. Compare financing options to find the best fit for your situation and start your clean energy journey with confidence.
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 financial sense in Alpharetta. With Georgia electricity rates rising 18% since 2020, solar panels provide protection from future rate increases while generating immediate savings.
Most Alpharetta homeowners see 11.6-year payback periods and save approximately $46,000 over 25 years. Georgia Power’s net billing program and the 30% federal tax credit make solar installation even more attractive for local residents.
Alpharetta doesn’t have traditional net metering, but offers net billing programs that provide credits for excess solar energy. The specific program depends on your utility provider – Georgia Power, Sawnee EMC, GreyStone Power, or Cobb EMC.
Most local utilities offer export credits ranging from 3-8.5 cents per kWh for surplus solar electricity sent to the grid. While these rates are lower than retail electricity prices, you still save money by using solar power directly in your home at full retail value.
Yes, solar panels typically increase home value in Alpharetta, GA. According to Zillow research, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar systems.
For Alpharetta’s median home price of around $650,000, this translates to roughly $26,650 in added value. Solar panels are viewed as desirable upgrades that reduce future energy costs, making homes more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers in Georgia’s competitive real estate market.
Solar installation costs in Alpharetta typically range from $14,023 to $21,104 after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs. Most medium-sized homes (2,000-3,000 sq ft) invest around $17,370 for an 8.93 kW system.
With Georgia’s competitive electricity rates and available incentives, Alpharetta homeowners usually see payback periods of 11.6 years and save approximately $46,000 over 25 years through reduced utility bills.
Yes, solar is financially worth it for most Alpharetta homeowners. With an average payback period of 11.6 years and $46,000 in 25-year savings, solar provides excellent long-term returns while protecting against rising electricity rates.
The 30% federal tax credit and Georgia Power’s net billing program make the investment even more attractive, with most homeowners seeing immediate monthly savings after installation.
We believe Palmetto Solar is the best choice for Alpharetta residents. As a national company with local focus, we’ve completed 2,471 installations across Georgia since 2020, bringing proven expertise to your neighborhood.
We offer competitive financing options and work with trusted local installation partners who understand Georgia’s climate and building requirements. Our comprehensive approach covers everything from initial consultation through long-term system monitoring.