Atlanta, GA Solar Panels
Solar Power in Atlanta
Atlanta homeowners are paying more for electricity than ever — Georgia power prices have climbed 18% since 2020, with no signs of leveling off.
If you’re exploring solar for your Atlanta home, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through how solar installation works, what it realistically costs, and what local homeowners can expect from the process. New to the topic? Start with our guide to home solar panels.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Atlanta, GA?
Based on real installation data from Atlanta and surrounding areas — including Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, and Sandy Springs — this calculator gives you an honest, localized estimate of what solar installation actually costs for homes like yours.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Atlanta electricity prices have risen 18% since 2020, and solar can help homeowners lock in lower energy costs for decades to come.
- A typical Atlanta home can save around $45,000 over 25 years with solar, with monthly savings starting around $104 for an average-sized home.
- Atlanta gets 5.1 peak sun hours per day and 213+ sunny days a year, making it a strong location for solar panel production year-round.
Atlanta Electricity Prices
Electricity costs in Atlanta have been climbing steadily — and understanding what you’re paying is the first step toward managing it.
Georgia’s residential electricity rate rose from 12.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents per kWh in 2024 — an increase of roughly 13%. While still below the national average of 16.5 cents, the trend is clear: rates are rising.
Solar panels allow Atlanta homeowners to generate their own electricity, reducing how much power they draw from the grid. As utility rates continue to rise, the value of that self-generated power grows alongside them.
A solar system installed today locks in a portion of your energy costs for decades. Over a 25-year panel lifespan, even modest annual rate increases can add up to significant savings — making solar a practical long-term hedge against rising electricity prices.
Price of Energy: Georgia vs National Average
Atlanta Area Utility Providers
Atlanta homeowners are served by several local utilities, including Georgia Power, Cobb EMC, and Sawnee EMC. Based on 2023 data — the most recent available — rates across these providers range from 11.7¢ to 14.6¢ per kWh.
Every Atlanta utility in our 2023 dataset falls below the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh, though Georgia Power’s rate of 14.6¢ sits above Georgia’s state average of 13.70¢. Fuel mix, grid infrastructure, and demand all influence local pricing.
Even at today’s rates, the average Atlanta household spends over $1,500 annually on electricity. Solar panel installation in Atlanta can help offset that cost — and protect homeowners from future rate increases over time.
Atlanta Utilities Electricity Rates
Georgia Solar Incentives
Atlanta, GA homeowners have access to several solar incentives in Georgia that can help reduce the overall cost of going solar.
Georgia’s available incentives include utility rebates from cooperatives like Central Georgia EMC and GreyStone Power, community solar subscription programs through Georgia Power and Green Power EMC, and renewable energy credit options — each designed to fit different homeowner situations.
Note that the federal residential solar tax credit is no longer available for new installations. For homeowners who lease solar through Palmetto’s LightReach program, Palmetto claims the commercial tax credit directly and passes those savings along through lower monthly lease payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Power Community Solar Program | Community Solar | Georgia Power’s Community Solar program lets residential and small business customers subscribe to blocks of solar energy without installing rooftop panels, with an income-qualified option available at a reduced rate. | Learn More |
| GreyStone Power Solar Rebate | Rebate | GreyStone Power offers member-owners a one-time solar rebate of $450 per kW AC for grid-connected photovoltaic systems up to 10 kW in capacity. | Learn More |
| Georgia Power Simple Solar (Renewable Energy Credits) | Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) | Georgia Power’s Simple Solar program allows residential and business customers to support solar energy by purchasing certified renewable energy credits (RECs) for 50% or 100% of their monthly electricity usage. | Learn More |
Georgia Power’s Community Solar program is ideal for homeowners in Atlanta who cannot install rooftop solar — due to renting, shading, or roof limitations. Residential customers can subscribe to up to 10 blocks of solar energy at $24.00 per 1 kW block per month, while small business customers pay $25.00 per block per month. Each block generates an estimated 115–215 kWh per month. Customers receive renewable energy credits directly on their monthly electric bill.
An Income-Qualified Community Solar option is available for households earning 200% or less of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. Eligible customers receive one 1 kW block at a significantly reduced rate of just $6.00 per month. Participation in the income-qualified tier is limited to 5,000 customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Any residential customer on the standard residential service rate located within the Georgia Power service territory may apply. There is no installation required, making this a low-barrier way to support and benefit from solar energy. Visit Georgia Power’s website to check current availability and apply.
GreyStone Power, an electric membership cooperative serving portions of the Atlanta metro area, offers a one-time solar rebate to its member-owners. The rebate is equal to $450 per kilowatt (kW) AC of installed solar capacity for systems up to 10 kW in size. For a typical 6 kW system, this represents up to $2,700 in savings on your installation cost.
To be eligible, the solar PV system must be interconnected to the grid and net-metered through GreyStone Power. Systems must be installed by a licensed contractor and meet all applicable electrical and building codes. The rebate is a one-time payment, not an ongoing credit.
Contact GreyStone Power directly to verify current program availability, confirm eligibility requirements, and obtain application materials before scheduling your installation. Program funding may be limited, so it is advisable to apply early in the process.
Georgia Power’s Simple Solar program gives customers a way to support renewable solar energy without installing panels on their property. Participants purchase certified Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) that meet standards approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission, ensuring the energy comes from qualified renewable generation sources.
Customers can choose to cover either 50% or 100% of their monthly electricity usage through the program. The additional charge is 1.25¢ per kWh per month for the selected coverage level. For example, a customer using 1,000 kWh per month who opts for 100% coverage would pay an additional $12.50 per month.
Simple Solar is available to any Georgia Power residential or business customer and requires no installation or equipment. It is a straightforward option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint and support solar development in Georgia without committing to a rooftop system or community solar subscription.
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 QuoteAtlanta 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.
Atlanta’s warm climate and 213+ sunny days a year make it a strong candidate for solar. Even on cloudy days, panels still produce energy — making Atlanta a great fit for solar.
Solar Production in Atlanta 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 Panel Systems in Atlanta
We’ve mapped thousands of solar installations across Atlanta so you can see just how many of your neighbors have already made the switch. Explore the map below to discover which communities and neighborhoods are leading the way to cleaner energy in your area!
Leasing Solar Panels
If you’re not ready to purchase solar panels outright, Palmetto offers an alternative through LightReach — a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) available to Georgia Power customers in Atlanta. With a PPA, you pay only for the electricity your panels produce, at a set rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh), rather than a fixed monthly amount. This means your solar bill may be slightly higher in sunny summer months and lower in winter — but annual savings are comparable to a traditional lease.
Compared to a cash purchase, a PPA through LightReach requires no upfront investment and removes the burden of system maintenance. Palmetto owns and maintains the equipment, so if something needs attention, it’s handled — not your responsibility. You simply pay for the clean energy your system generates and enjoy lower electricity costs from day one.
It’s worth noting that LightReach availability in Georgia depends on your utility provider. Currently, the PPA option is available for Georgia Power customers. Homeowners served by EMC providers in the Atlanta area — such as Cobb EMC, Sawnee EMC, or Jackson EMC — are not eligible at this time. Learn more about buying vs. leasing solar to find the right path for your home.
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 sense for many Atlanta homeowners. With 5.1 peak sun hours per day, 213+ sunny days annually, and electricity rates that have risen 18% since 2020, Atlanta is a strong environment for solar production and long-term savings. A typical Atlanta home can save around $45,000 over 25 years.
Upfront cost doesn’t have to be a barrier either. Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease program lets homeowners go solar with no money down, starting savings from day one — with Palmetto handling all maintenance.
Most Atlanta-area utilities do not offer traditional net metering. Georgia Power — the primary utility serving Atlanta — uses a Net Billing (Export Credit) system instead. Solar energy you use immediately avoids purchasing power at the retail rate, but excess electricity sent to the grid is credited at a lower rate of approximately 8.5¢/kWh in 2024, settled monthly with no annual true-up.
Some Atlanta-area electric cooperatives have different policies. Cobb EMC offers monthly net metering on a 1:1 basis, though excess production above monthly consumption is credited at the avoided cost rate (3–4.8¢/kWh). Other local EMCs — including Sawnee, Jackson, Walton, and GreyStone — use net billing export credit programs similar to Georgia Power, with export rates generally ranging from about 2.9¢ to 5.5¢/kWh. Your specific policy depends on your utility provider.
Yes, solar panels can increase your home’s value in Atlanta. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For the median Atlanta home, that could represent a meaningful boost at resale.
It’s worth noting that this benefit typically applies to owned systems, not leased panels. If you purchase your solar system outright, that added home value is yours to keep when you sell.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Atlanta homeowners can go solar for a low fixed monthly payment — starting as low as $79/mo for smaller homes and around $100/mo for an average-sized home — with no upfront cost. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, and passes commercial tax credit savings through to you via lower payments.
For homeowners who prefer a cash purchase, a typical Atlanta system runs approximately $20,000–$30,000 depending on home size. Note that the federal 30% residential tax credit is no longer available following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate.
For many Atlanta homeowners, solar can be worth it financially — especially with a lease option. With Palmetto’s LightReach program, there’s no upfront investment. Your monthly lease payment is typically less than your current electricity bill, so savings start on day one.
Atlanta’s rising electricity rates — up 18% since 2020 — make the long-term case even stronger. A typical Atlanta home can save around $45,000 over 25 years, with average monthly savings around $104 for a medium-sized home.
We believe Palmetto Solar is the best choice for Atlanta homeowners. As a national company with a strong local presence, we’ve completed 2,471 installations across Georgia since 2020 — with an approval rating over 85%. We combine a trusted install network with some of the industry’s best financing options.
Our LightReach lease program lets Atlanta residents go solar with no upfront cost, while Palmetto handles all maintenance. Whether you lease or purchase, we’re committed to making solar simple, transparent, and affordable for Georgia homeowners.
Palmetto’s LightReach is an all-inclusive solar lease — one monthly payment covers the system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee. There is no upfront cost. Because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit and passes those savings to you through lower payments.
For a typical 8.93 kW system in Atlanta, the estimated monthly lease payment is approximately $100/month — often less than your current electricity bill, so savings can start from day one.