Solar Guide
Solar in Savannah
Savannah homeowners are exploring solar as Georgia electricity prices increased 18% from 2020 to 2024. The city’s abundant sunshine makes solar installation an attractive path to energy independence.
Understanding your options helps you make the right choice. This guide covers solar panels for your home in Savannah’s climate and regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Savannah’s abundant sunshine makes solar highly effective, with systems producing up to 54 kWh daily in summer months.
- Georgia’s 30% federal tax credit saves homeowners an average of $7,444 on solar installation costs upfront.
- Solar systems in Savannah pay for themselves in about 11.5 years while providing 25-year savings of $46,000.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Palmetto customers across Savannah neighborhoods like Ardsley Park, Midtown, and Richmond Hill. Get personalized pricing based on actual local projects, not generic estimates.
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Savings
Savannah Electricity Prices
Understanding Savannah’s electricity costs helps homeowners make informed energy decisions as rates continue climbing across Georgia.
Georgia electricity rates reached 14.1 cents per kWh in 2024, up from 12.5 cents in 2021, representing a 13% increase over three years.
Solar panels generate electricity from Savannah’s abundant sunshine, helping homeowners reduce dependence on grid power and rising utility rates in the region.
Over 25 years, solar systems can provide predictable energy costs while traditional electricity rates continue rising, offering long-term financial stability for homeowners.
Price of Energy: Georgia vs National Average
Savannah Area Utility Providers
Georgia Power serves most Savannah residents with electricity rates of 14.6¢ per kWh in 2023, sitting between Georgia’s average of 13.70¢ and the national average of 16.0¢.
Georgia Power’s rates reflect the state’s energy mix and infrastructure investments. While slightly above Georgia’s average, Savannah residents still pay less than most Americans nationwide.
With electricity costs continuing to rise, solar panels can help stabilize your energy expenses. Savannah’s sunny climate makes solar particularly effective for offsetting utility bills.
Savannah Utilities Electricity Rates
Georgia Solar Incentives
Solar installation in Savannah becomes more affordable through available solar incentives in Georgia designed to reduce upfront costs.
Georgia Power offers net billing programs that credit homeowners for excess solar energy produced by their systems, helping offset monthly electricity bills.
These incentive programs change regularly, so research current offerings thoroughly and consider timing when planning your solar installation.
$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 where you get full retail credit, this program pays you a lower wholesale rate for the solar energy you don’t use in your home. Any solar electricity you use directly in your home still saves you money at the full retail rate you would normally pay Georgia Power.
For 2024, Georgia Power pays approximately 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for excess solar energy exported to the grid, which includes 4.5 cents for avoided power costs plus an additional 4 cents. This rate changes annually – in 2023 it was 6.89 cents per kWh. The credits are applied directly to your monthly electric bill with no annual rollover or cash payments. There is no rate lock-in period, so you’ll always receive the current year’s export credit rate.
This program is available to Georgia Power residential customers who install qualifying solar systems. The monthly settlement means any credits you earn are used right away on that month’s bill rather than carrying over to future months. Since the export credit rate is significantly lower than retail electricity rates, you’ll maximize your savings by using as much of your solar production as possible when it’s being generated rather than sending it back to the grid.
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 QuoteSavannah 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.
Savannah’s humid subtropical climate and seasonal sun angles create unique solar conditions. Despite summer humidity and winter cloud cover, proper system design maximizes year-round energy production.
Solar Production in Savannah 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 Savannah
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to show you something exciting: your Savannah neighbors are embracing clean energy! Explore this interactive map to discover which communities have made the switch to solar.
Leasing Solar Panels
For Savannah homeowners, Palmetto offers Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through Georgia Power customers. With a PPA, you pay only for the solar energy your system produces at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour, typically lower than Georgia Power’s current rates.
This financing option eliminates upfront costs and maintenance responsibilities while providing immediate electricity savings. Unlike purchasing a system outright, you avoid the initial investment and ongoing upkeep, making solar accessible without the financial commitment of ownership.
Compare your options with our solar financing guide or explore our LightReach program for hassle-free solar adoption in Savannah.
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 Savannah due to the city’s abundant sunshine and rising electricity costs. Savannah receives excellent solar irradiance year-round, allowing solar systems to generate substantial energy even during winter months.
With Georgia electricity rates increasing 18% from 2020 to 2024, solar provides long-term cost stability. The average Savannah homeowner can save approximately $46,000 over 25 years while benefiting from the 30% federal tax credit that reduces upfront installation costs.
Savannah does not have traditional net metering. Georgia Power, which serves most Savannah residents, offers a net billing program that pays homeowners for excess solar energy at wholesale rates rather than full retail credit.
In 2024, Georgia Power pays approximately 8.5 cents per kWh for exported solar energy, significantly lower than the retail rate. This means maximizing your savings requires using solar energy as it’s produced rather than selling it back to the grid.
Yes, solar panels typically increase home value in Savannah, GA. Research shows solar installations can boost property values, with studies indicating homes with solar panels sell for about 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar.
In Savannah’s competitive real estate market, solar panels represent an attractive feature for buyers seeking energy independence and lower utility costs. The combination of Georgia’s sunny climate and rising electricity rates makes solar-equipped homes particularly appealing to potential purchasers.
Solar installation costs in Savannah typically range from $14,023 to $21,104 after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs.
For a typical medium-sized home (2,000-3,000 sq ft), expect to pay around $17,370 after incentives for an 8.93 kW system. This investment pays for itself in approximately 11.5 years through electricity savings.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Savannah. With Georgia electricity rates rising 18% since 2020 and abundant sunshine year-round, solar systems provide excellent returns on investment.
The average Savannah homeowner saves $46,000 over 25 years with solar panels, while the 30% federal tax credit reduces upfront costs significantly. Most systems pay for themselves within 11.5 years.
We believe Palmetto is the best solar company in Savannah based on our proven track record and local expertise. We’ve completed over 2,471 installations across Georgia since 2020, giving us deep understanding of local conditions and regulations.
Our comprehensive approach includes some of the industry’s best financing options and a trusted installation network. We focus on making solar accessible and affordable for Savannah homeowners while providing ongoing support throughout your solar journey.