Savannah, GA Solar Panels
Solar Power in Savannah
With around 216 sunny days a year, Savannah is a natural fit for solar panel installation. If you’re a homeowner here exploring ways to power your home with clean energy, you’ve come to the right place. Solar can help you take control of your electricity, especially as Georgia electricity prices have climbed 18% from 2020 to 2024.
At Palmetto, we make going solar simple. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what solar installation in Savannah really involves, so you can feel confident about your options. To learn more about the basics, check out our guide on home solar panels.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Savannah, GA?
Curious what solar costs in Savannah? This calculator uses real installation data from homes across the area, including Pooler, Richmond Hill, Wilmington Island, and Garden City. See a personalized estimate based on actual local projects, so you can understand your options with clear, firsthand numbers.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Savannah’s 216 sunny days a year make it a natural fit for solar, helping you power your home while relying less on the grid.
- Georgia electricity prices rose 18% from 2020 to 2024, so going solar can help you lock in steadier, more predictable energy costs for years.
- Georgia incentives still lower your cost, including property and sales tax exemptions, local rebates, and a 30% federal credit for battery storage.
Savannah Electricity Prices
Wondering what electricity really costs in Savannah? Here’s how Georgia’s rates compare to the national average, and why it matters for you.
Georgia’s electricity prices have climbed steadily, rising from 12.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024. While that’s below the national average, the upward trend continues year after year.
Solar panel installation offers a way to sidestep those rising rates. By generating your own power in sunny Savannah, you rely less on the grid and gain more predictability over your monthly energy costs.
Over time, solar installation in Savannah can help you lock in the cost of your energy. As utility rates keep climbing, homeowners who go solar enjoy steadier, more predictable electricity expenses for years to come.
Price of Energy: Georgia vs National Average
Savannah Area Utility Providers
In Savannah, GA, most homes get their electricity from Georgia Power. In 2023, its rate was about 14.6¢ per kWh—higher than the Georgia state average of 13.7¢, but lower than the national average of 16.0¢.
Georgia Power’s rate sits above the state average partly due to fuel costs, grid upgrades, and infrastructure spending. Still, it stays below the national average, thanks in part to Georgia’s mix of energy sources and regulated pricing.
Because utility rates can shift year to year, many Savannah homeowners look to solar for more predictable electricity costs. Producing your own power can reduce how much you draw from the grid, helping you manage what you spend over time.
Savannah Utilities Electricity Rates
Georgia Solar Incentives
Going solar in Savannah costs less thanks to several solar incentives in Georgia that help offset your installation costs.
Georgia offers a property tax exemption on your system’s added value and a sales tax exemption on solar equipment. Many local electric cooperatives also provide cash rebates for installing residential solar.
While the federal 30% residential tax credit ended under the Big Beautiful Bill, state and local incentives remain. Leasing through LightReach simplifies things, as Palmetto handles the commercial ITC and passes savings along.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Property Tax Exemption for Solar | Property Tax Exemption | Under O.C.G.A. § 48-5-48.1, Georgia exempts the added value of a solar energy system from property tax assessment, so installing solar will not increase your annual property tax bill. | Learn More |
| Georgia Sales Tax Exemption for Solar Equipment | Sales Tax Exemption | Georgia exempts solar energy equipment from the state’s 4% sales tax, reducing the upfront cost of a solar installation, though local county sales taxes may still apply. | |
| Green Power EMC Community Solar Program | Rebate | Sixteen Georgia electric cooperatives participate in the Green Power EMC community solar network, allowing members to subscribe to shared solar farms and receive monthly bill credits based on actual solar output — no rooftop installation required. | Learn More |
| GEFA Solar Program for Government & Public Schools | Rebate | The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) provides rebates of up to 50% of solar installation costs (maximum $50,000) exclusively to Georgia cities, counties, and K-12 public schools for systems up to 60 kW. | Learn More |
| Georgia Home Energy Rebates (GEFA / IRA) | Rebate | Georgia’s Home Energy Rebates program, administered by GEFA, provides households with incentives on eligible home energy improvements, with eligible households able to receive up to $16,000 in savings depending on income and expected energy savings. | Learn More |
| Federal 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit (Battery Storage) | Tax Credit | The federal 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit provides a 30% tax credit for battery storage systems (3 kWh or larger) installed in a primary or secondary residence, available through 2032 with no dollar cap. | Learn More |
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-48.1) provides a property tax exemption for solar energy equipment. This means that the value added to your home by a solar installation is excluded from your property tax assessment. For example, if your solar system increases your home’s appraised value by $18,000, that added value will not raise your annual property tax bill.
This exemption applies statewide and is an automatic benefit — you do not need to apply for a separate credit. It is one of the few state-level solar protections available to Georgia homeowners, including residents of Savannah, in 2026, and it can represent meaningful long-term savings over the life of your system, particularly in counties with higher millage rates.
If you have questions about how your county assessor applies this exemption, contact your local county tax assessor’s office directly to confirm the exemption is being applied to your property after installation.
Georgia provides a sales tax exemption on solar energy equipment, exempting purchases from the state’s standard 4% sales tax. This exemption applies to the solar panels, inverters, racking, and other qualifying equipment that make up your solar PV system, reducing your upfront installation cost.
It is important to note that local county sales taxes (typically an additional 3–4%) may still apply depending on where you live. The exemption covers the state portion only, so your total tax savings will vary by county. On a $30,000 system, the state exemption alone could save you approximately $1,200.
Ask your solar installer to confirm that the state sales tax exemption is being applied correctly on your contract and invoice. If you have questions about your county’s local tax treatment of solar equipment, contact your county tax commissioner’s office for clarification.
The Green Power EMC Community Solar Program allows members of 16 participating Georgia electric cooperatives to subscribe to blocks of shared solar farm production without installing any equipment on their own roof. Subscribers purchase blocks of solar capacity (typically 1 kW per block) and receive monthly bill credits based on the actual electricity output of the shared solar facility.
Participating cooperatives include Central Georgia EMC, Coastal Electric, Coweta-Fayette EMC, Diverse Power, GreyStone Power, Habersham EMC, Jackson EMC, Jefferson Energy, Middle Georgia EMC, Okefenoke REMC, Satilla REMC, Sawnee EMC, Snapping Shoals EMC, Sumter EMC, Tri-County EMC, and Walton EMC. Subscription costs, block sizes, and monthly credit rates vary by cooperative.
This is an excellent option for renters, homeowners with shaded or unsuitable rooftops, or anyone who wants to support solar energy and reduce their electricity bill without a long-term equipment commitment. Contact your specific cooperative or visit www.greenpoweremc.com to learn about subscription availability and pricing in your area.
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) Solar Program provides rebates exclusively to Georgia cities, counties, and K-12 public schools for the installation of solar photovoltaic systems. The program reimburses up to 50% of the cost of materials, design, and installation, with a maximum reimbursement of $50,000, for ground-mount or rooftop solar systems up to 60 kW in capacity.
This program is designed exclusively for governmental and public school entities and is not available to residential homeowners or private businesses. Eligible applicants include municipal governments, county governments, and accredited K-12 public schools anywhere in Georgia, including Savannah.
GEFA has also previously offered a Solar Resiliency Technical Assistance Program for government entities, reimbursing up to 85% of the cost of backup battery and solar PV systems (up to $200,000) at critical facilities, with a second round of grid resilience grant funding planned for 2026 pending U.S. Department of Energy funding release. Visit gefa.georgia.gov or call (404) 584-1000 for current program status and application information.
Georgia’s Home Energy Rebates program, administered by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) under the federal Inflation Reduction Act, provides households with rebates on the purchase and installation of eligible energy improvements. Eligible households can receive up to $16,000 in savings depending on their household income and the expected energy savings from the improvements made.
While this program primarily covers electric appliances, insulation, air sealing, HVAC systems, and other home improvement measures, it is worth checking the current program guidelines at energyrebates.georgia.gov to understand whether any solar-adjacent improvements (such as electrical panel upgrades that support solar installation) may qualify under the program’s current rules.
Program availability, eligible measures, and income thresholds are subject to change based on federal funding and state program design decisions. Visit energyrebates.georgia.gov or contact GEFA at (404) 584-1000 for the most current information on eligible improvements, income requirements, and how to apply.
The federal 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit provides a 30% tax credit for the cost of battery storage systems installed in a primary or secondary U.S. residence. Importantly, this credit applies to standalone battery storage systems (not just batteries paired with solar), as long as the battery has a capacity of at least 3 kWh. There is no dollar cap on the credit amount, and it is available through 2032.
For Savannah homeowners, this federal battery credit is especially valuable given the state’s rate structure. Because Georgia Power’s solar export rate is only ~7.2¢/kWh compared to a retail rate of ~13¢/kWh, storing excess solar in a battery and using it in the evening saves nearly twice as much as exporting it to the grid. A typical 13 kWh battery system costing around $16,394 before incentives would generate a federal tax credit of approximately $4,918, bringing the net cost down to roughly $11,476.
To claim this credit, you must owe federal income tax in the year the system is placed in service. The credit is non-refundable but can be carried forward to future tax years if it exceeds your tax liability in the year of installation. Consult a qualified tax professional to confirm your eligibility and ensure the credit is claimed correctly on IRS Form 5695.
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 sunny subtropical climate and long summer days make it well-suited for solar. While humidity and occasional coastal storms occur, a properly designed system captures plenty of energy year-round.
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 Panel Systems in Savannah
We mapped solar installations across the country, right down to the neighborhood. Explore this interactive heatmap to see how many homes in Savannah have made the switch to solar. Click any hexagon to discover how many of your neighbors are already powering their lives with clean energy.
Leasing Solar Panels
Good news for Savannah homeowners: if Georgia Power is your utility, you can go solar through a LightReach Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). With a PPA, you don’t pay for the panels upfront—instead, you simply pay a set price for the clean power your system produces, often less than your current utility rate.
Unlike a solar lease, where you’d pay a fixed monthly amount, a PPA charges you per kilowatt-hour. Since panels produce more in Savannah’s sunny summers, your bills naturally rise and fall with production. Over a year, savings typically match those of a lease.
Compared to paying cash, a PPA means no large investment and no maintenance worries—Palmetto handles repairs and upkeep. To compare your options, explore whether it’s better to buy or lease your solar panels.
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!
Explore LightReach LeasingFrequently Asked Questions
Savannah is served by Georgia Power, which uses net billing rather than traditional net metering. The energy your panels produce and use immediately offsets electricity at the retail rate. Any excess sent to the grid earns an export credit—about 8.5¢ per kWh in 2024—applied to that month’s bill.
This credit is settled monthly, with no annual true-up. Because exported power is worth less than the retail rate, pairing solar with a battery helps Savannah homeowners store energy and get more value from what they generate.
Yes, in Savannah solar panels can increase your home’s value, but this generally applies to purchased or owned systems. A Zillow study found homes with solar sold for about 4.1% more. Georgia’s property tax exemption means this added value won’t raise your tax bill.
Leased or PPA systems may affect resale differently, since a buyer would typically need to assume the existing agreement rather than gain outright ownership value.
The most affordable way to go solar in Savannah is a LightReach lease, which starts around $102/month for a medium home with no upfront cost. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, so there’s nothing to install out of pocket.
If you prefer to buy, a cash system for a medium home costs about $25,329. Following the 2025 federal law change, the 30% tax credit is no longer available for residential cash purchases. See the calculator above for pricing based on your home size.
With Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease, one simple monthly payment covers everything: your system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee. There’s no upfront cost, and payments are typically lower than your current electricity bill, so many Savannah homeowners start saving from day one.
For a typical 9.13 kW system in Savannah, the estimated payment is about $102/month. Because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the 30% commercial tax credit and passes those savings to you.
For many Savannah homeowners, solar can make financial sense, especially as Georgia electricity prices have climbed 18% from 2020 to 2024. Whether it pays off depends on your energy use, roof, and how you pay for the system.
With a LightReach lease, there’s no upfront investment. Because your monthly payment is often less than your current electricity bill, you can start saving from day one while Palmetto handles all maintenance.
Yes, but solar panels are low maintenance. With no moving parts, they typically only need occasional cleaning to clear off Savannah’s coastal dust, pollen, or debris. Most systems run reliably for decades with minimal attention.
With LightReach, maintenance is even simpler. Palmetto owns the system and handles all monitoring, maintenance, and repairs at no extra cost. Every LightReach system also includes a 90% Production Guarantee, so you can feel confident your panels are performing as expected.
In Savannah, a typical 10 kW home solar system produces about 14,300 kWh per year, thanks to the area’s roughly 5.2 peak sun hours per day. Smaller systems generate less, with a 5 kW system producing around 7,150 kWh annually.
Production shifts with the seasons, peaking in Savannah’s long, sunny summer days and dipping in December. Your actual output depends on your roof direction, shading, and system size.