Augusta, GA
Solar in Augusta
Augusta homeowners are discovering the benefits of home solar panels as electricity prices in Georgia have increased 18% from 2020 to 2024. With abundant sunshine and rising utility costs, solar installation offers Augusta residents a practical way to reduce monthly expenses while gaining energy independence.
Despite Georgia ranking 39th for residential solar installations nationwide, more Augusta families are embracing this sustainable energy solution, recognizing the long-term financial and environmental advantages of going solar.
Key Takeaways
- Augusta receives 220+ sunny days annually, making it an excellent location for solar energy production and long-term electricity savings.
- Augusta homeowners can save approximately $47,000 over 25 years by installing solar panels, with average monthly savings of $107.
- The 30% federal tax credit reduces the cost of solar installation in Augusta by an average of $7,444, making clean energy more accessible.
Solar Cost Calculator
Discover the true cost of solar in Augusta with Palmetto’s calculator, powered by real installation data from local neighborhoods like Martinez, Evans, and Grovetown. Make informed decisions about solar panel installation based on actual costs in your area, not national averages.
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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.
Augusta Electricity Prices
Augusta residents face rising electricity costs, but with Georgia’s abundant sunshine, solar power offers a compelling alternative for energy-conscious homeowners.
Since 2021, Augusta’s electricity rates have increased by 12.8%, from 12.5 to 14.1 cents per kWh. While still below the national average, this upward trend impacts household budgets across the region.
Solar installation allows Augusta homeowners to generate their own clean electricity, reducing dependence on utility companies and providing protection against future rate increases during Augusta’s 220+ annual sunny days.
Over time, solar panels deliver consistent energy savings while increasing home value. With a typical system lifespan of 25+ years, Augusta homeowners can secure decades of stable, predictable energy costs.
Price of Energy: Georgia vs National Average
Augusta Area Utility Providers
In Augusta, Georgia Power is the primary utility provider, charging 14.6¢ per kWh in 2023. This rate sits above Georgia’s state average of 13.70¢ but below the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.
Augusta residents pay more than the Georgia average due to infrastructure costs and regional demand patterns. However, they benefit from rates lower than the national average thanks to Georgia’s diverse energy mix and regulatory structure.
With Georgia Power’s rates consistently trending upward over time, solar installation offers Augusta homeowners a path to predictable energy costs and reduced monthly bills while increasing property value and energy independence.
Augusta Utilities Electricity Rates
Georgia Solar Incentives
Augusta homeowners can significantly reduce solar installation costs through various solar incentives in Georgia, including federal tax credits and local utility programs.
The federal solar investment tax credit offers substantial savings, while Georgia Power’s Net Billing program provides compensation for excess energy your system produces, though at a lower rate than retail electricity.
These incentives can change over time, so research thoroughly and act promptly to maximize your savings. Consult with solar experts to understand how these programs apply to your specific situation.
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 (up from 6.89¢ in 2023). This rate combines the avoided cost of power (4.5¢) plus an additional 4¢ incentive. These credits are applied directly to your current month’s electric bill, with no annual true-up period. It’s important to note that the credit rate changes annually, and customers receive the current value as there is no rate lock-in period. This means the value of your exported electricity could increase or decrease in future years based on Georgia Power’s updated rates.
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. For homeowners considering solar, this program works best when you size your system to closely match your daily electricity usage patterns, as self-consumed power provides the greatest financial benefit.
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 QuoteAugusta 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.
Augusta’s abundant sunshine, mild winters, and long summer days make it ideal for solar energy production, despite occasional summer thunderstorms.
Solar Production in Augusta by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.0 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 15 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 4.5 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 1.8 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 13 hours
- or Fully charge 2.7 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 174 trees
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 Augusta
Discover Augusta’s solar revolution! We’ve mapped every solar installation in your area, revealing neighborhoods embracing clean energy. Explore our interactive heatmap to see how many of your neighbors have made the switch to solar power, and join Augusta’s growing sustainable community.
Leasing Solar Panels
For Augusta residents served by Georgia Power, Palmetto offers a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) as an alternative to purchasing solar panels outright. With a PPA, you pay for the electricity your panels produce at a set price per kilowatt-hour rather than owning the equipment.
This option eliminates upfront costs and maintenance responsibilities while still reducing your electricity bills. Georgia Power customers can enjoy immediate savings without worrying about system repairs, monitoring, or insurance—Palmetto handles everything as the system owner.
Unfortunately, customers of other utilities in the Augusta area currently don’t have access to Palmetto’s LightReach program. If you’re interested in solar but prefer avoiding upfront costs, contact our team to discuss whether a PPA might be available for your specific location.
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 in Augusta due to the region’s abundant sunshine with over 220 sunny days annually. The combination of Georgia’s solar-friendly climate and rising electricity costs create favorable conditions for solar investments.
Augusta homeowners can save approximately $47,000 over 25 years with solar panels, and the 30% federal tax credit significantly reduces installation costs. With Georgia Power’s increasing rates, solar provides long-term energy independence and protection against future utility price hikes.
Augusta does not have traditional net metering. Georgia Power offers a Net Billing program where self-consumed energy saves you at retail rates, while excess energy exported to the grid earns approximately 8.5¢/kWh (as of 2024).
Some electric cooperatives like Cobb EMC offer monthly net metering, but most utilities in the Augusta area use export credit systems that value excess production at lower rates than retail electricity prices.
Yes, solar panels typically increase home value in Augusta. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar systems.
For Augusta’s median home value, this could translate to an added value of $8,000-$12,000. This increase reflects buyers’ recognition of long-term energy savings and Augusta’s abundant sunshine, making solar an attractive feature in the local real estate market.
In Augusta, GA, the average cost of solar installation ranges from $17,000 to $24,000 after applying the 30% federal tax credit. A typical 8.93 kW system for a medium-sized home costs approximately $17,370 after incentives.
The final price depends on system size, roof complexity, and equipment quality. Most Augusta homeowners see a payback period of 11-12 years, with average monthly savings of $107 and lifetime savings of approximately $47,000 over 25 years.
For most Augusta homeowners, solar is financially worthwhile with average savings of $47,000 over 25 years. The 30% federal tax credit significantly reduces upfront costs, and Georgia’s abundant sunshine maximizes energy production.
With electricity rates rising 12.8% since 2021, solar provides protection against future increases while adding approximately 4.1% to your home’s value. The typical payback period of 11-12 years offers long-term financial benefits.
As a national company with a local focus, Palmetto is the leading solar provider in Augusta. We’ve completed over 2,400 installations in Georgia since 2020, offering exceptional financing options and a reliable installation network.
Our customer-centric approach ensures Augusta homeowners receive personalized solar solutions that maximize energy production and savings in Georgia’s sunny climate.