Macon, GA
In This Guide
Solar in Macon
Looking for expert solar installation in Macon, GA? With Georgia electricity prices increasing 18% from 2020 to 2024, investing in clean energy is a smart decision for reducing long-term utility costs while supporting environmental sustainability.
At Palmetto, we specialize in making home solar panel installation straightforward and accessible for Macon residents, guiding you through every step with clarity and expertise.
Key Takeaways
- Macon receives abundant sunshine with 14.2 hours of summer daylight, making it an excellent location for solar energy production.
- The average Macon homeowner saves $46,077 over 25 years with solar panels, offsetting rising electricity costs.
- Federal tax credits reduce solar costs by 30%, making the average system in Macon cost $17,370 after incentives.
Solar Cost Calculator
Discover the real cost of solar panels in Macon with our local calculator. Using actual installation data from Macon, Byron, Warner Robins, and surrounding areas, we provide accurate estimates tailored to your neighborhood. No guesswork—just transparent, reliable information to help you make an informed decision.
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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.
Macon Electricity Prices
Macon residents face rising electricity costs, affecting household budgets and long-term financial planning. Let’s examine local energy prices and how solar offers a sustainable alternative.
While Georgia’s electricity rates have increased by 12.8% since 2021 (from 12.5¢ to 14.1¢ per kWh), they remain below the national average of 16.5¢ per kWh in 2024.
Solar installation in Macon provides a shield against these rising utility costs by generating your own clean electricity. With Georgia’s abundant sunshine, solar panels can significantly reduce monthly power bills.
By investing in solar today, Macon homeowners can lock in energy costs for 25+ years, protecting against future rate increases while adding value to their property and reducing environmental impact.
Price of Energy: Georgia vs National Average
Macon Area Utility Providers
In Macon, GA, Georgia Power is the primary utility provider, charging 14.6¢ per kWh in 2023. This rate sits above Georgia’s state average of 13.7¢ but below the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.
Georgia Power’s rates reflect regional infrastructure costs and energy generation mix. While higher than the state average, Macon residents benefit from rates still below national figures, though prices continue trending upward annually.
Solar installation offers Macon homeowners a path to energy independence with predictable costs. As utility rates rise, solar panels provide long-term savings while contributing to a cleaner environmental footprint for your community.
Macon Utilities Electricity Rates
Georgia Solar Incentives
Discover available solar incentives in Georgia that can significantly reduce your installation costs in Macon, making solar energy more affordable and accessible.
Both federal tax credits and Georgia-specific programs like Georgia Power’s Net Billing can substantially offset your initial investment, allowing faster returns on your clean energy transition.
These incentives can change over time, so research thoroughly and act promptly to maximize your savings. Consulting with solar experts ensures you understand all available benefits.
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 electricity. Instead, when your solar panels generate more electricity than your home uses, Georgia Power purchases this excess energy at a specific rate that changes annually.
For 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 improvement from 2023’s rate of 6.89¢/kWh. These credits are applied directly to your current month’s bill, with no annual true-up period. It’s important to note that any electricity your solar system produces that you immediately use in your home provides the greatest value, as it offsets electricity you would otherwise purchase at the full retail rate.
Any Georgia Power residential customer who installs a qualifying solar system can participate in this program. There are no specific enrollment deadlines, but remember that the credit rate changes annually, and there is no rate lock-in period—you’ll always receive the current year’s credit rate for your exported electricity. For homeowners considering solar, this variable rate structure is an important consideration when calculating potential long-term savings.
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 QuoteMacon 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.
Macon’s abundant sunshine, despite seasonal variations, makes it ideal for solar energy. With proper system design, Macon residents can harness significant solar power year-round, maximizing energy production and savings.
Solar Production in Macon 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 Macon
Discover how Macon, GA is embracing solar energy! We’ve tracked solar installations across the US and created this interactive map to show you which neighborhoods in Macon are leading the clean energy movement. See how your community compares and who’s already enjoying the benefits of solar power!
Leasing Solar Panels
In Macon, GA, Georgia Power customers have access to Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), offering a smart alternative to purchasing solar panels outright. With a PPA, you pay only for the electricity your system produces at a predetermined rate per kilowatt-hour, typically lower than utility rates.
This option eliminates upfront installation costs and ongoing maintenance responsibilities, as Palmetto handles all repairs and ensures optimal system performance. You’ll start saving immediately without waiting for investment payback, and you won’t need to worry about equipment warranties or repairs.
For Macon residents who want solar benefits without the financial commitment of ownership, a PPA provides an accessible path to clean energy with predictable costs and professional support throughout the agreement term.
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 Macon, GA. With abundant sunshine (14+ summer daylight hours) and electricity rates that have increased 18% since 2020, solar offers significant financial benefits.
The average Macon homeowner can save approximately $46,000 over 25 years with solar panels. Additionally, the 30% federal tax credit reduces installation costs substantially, making the investment increasingly attractive for homeowners looking to reduce utility bills and environmental impact.
No, Macon doesn’t have traditional net metering. Georgia Power offers a Net Billing program where excess electricity exported to the grid is valued at approximately 8.5¢/kWh in 2024 (up from 6.89¢ in 2023).
Central Georgia EMC, which serves parts of Macon, offers a similar program valuing exports at about 3.6¢/kWh. Credits are applied monthly with no annual true-up period.
Yes, solar panels do increase home value in Macon. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar systems.
For the median-priced Macon home (around $195,000), this could translate to an added value of about $8,000. This increased value reflects both the energy savings potential and growing buyer interest in sustainable home features.
In Macon, the average cost for solar installation ranges from $17,370 for a medium-sized home (8.93 kW system) to $21,104 for larger homes (11.05 kW system), after applying the 30% federal tax credit.
These costs reflect complete installation including panels, inverters, mounting hardware, and labor. Most Macon homeowners see payback periods of 11-12 years with average monthly savings of $105.
Solar is financially worthwhile in Macon due to Georgia’s abundant sunshine and rising electricity costs. With the 30% federal tax credit reducing installation costs, most homeowners see payback periods of 11-12 years.
The average Macon homeowner saves approximately $46,000 over 25 years, while also increasing their property value by around 4%. Additionally, solar provides protection against future utility rate increases.
As a national solar provider with over 2,471 installations in Georgia since 2020, Palmetto offers Macon residents exceptional solar solutions. We combine competitive financing options with our extensive installation network to deliver quality service.
Our customer-centric approach ensures a smooth transition to clean energy, handling everything from system design to installation and ongoing maintenance, making us a trusted choice for Macon homeowners seeking reliable solar solutions.