Solar Guide
Solar in Atlanta
Atlanta homeowners are exploring solar energy as Georgia electricity prices have increased 18% from 2020 to 2024. With the state’s residential rates at 14.14 cents per kWh compared to the national average of 16.6 cents, solar installation offers a strategic way to lock in energy savings.
Making the right choice starts with solid information. Our comprehensive guide to home solar panels provides Atlanta residents with the knowledge needed to confidently navigate your solar journey.
Key Takeaways
- Atlanta homeowners save an average of $45,000 over 25 years with solar panels while reducing dependence on rising electricity rates.
- Georgia’s 30% federal solar tax credit reduces installation costs by thousands, making solar more affordable than ever.
- Solar panels work year-round in Atlanta’s climate with excellent production even during winter months for consistent energy savings.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Atlanta neighborhoods like Buckhead, Decatur, and Marietta. Get personalized pricing based on actual local projects, not generic estimates.
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Cost
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Atlanta Electricity Prices
Understanding Atlanta’s electricity costs helps homeowners make informed decisions about their energy future and potential savings opportunities.
Georgia electricity rates have steadily climbed from 12.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024, representing a 12.8% increase over three years.
Solar installation in Atlanta allows homeowners to generate their own electricity, reducing dependence on the grid and providing protection against future rate increases.
Over 25 years, solar panels can provide Atlanta families with predictable energy costs while traditional electricity rates continue their upward trend nationwide.
Price of Energy: Georgia vs National Average
Atlanta Area Utility Providers
Atlanta residents benefit from electricity rates below national averages. Based on 2023 data, local utilities range from 11.7¢ to 14.6¢ per kWh, compared to the national average of 16.0¢.
Georgia’s lower electricity costs stem from diverse energy sources and regional infrastructure. However, utility rates have steadily increased over recent years, with Georgia Power leading at 14.6¢ per kWh among Atlanta providers.
Solar installation helps Atlanta homeowners lock in predictable energy costs despite rising utility rates. With current electricity prices averaging 13.7¢ statewide, solar provides long-term protection against future rate increases.
Atlanta Utilities Electricity Rates
Georgia Solar Incentives
Atlanta homeowners can reduce solar installation costs through federal tax credits and solar incentives in Georgia like net billing programs.
The federal solar tax credit allows you to deduct 30% of your solar system cost from your taxes, while Georgia Power’s net billing program credits excess solar energy production.
These incentives can change annually, so research current programs thoroughly and consider timing your solar installation strategically.
$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.
Under this program, Georgia Power pays approximately 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for excess solar energy exported to the grid as of 2024, which includes a 4.5-cent avoided cost rate plus an additional 4-cent credit. This export rate changes annually based on Georgia Power’s costs, so there’s no guaranteed rate for the life of your system. Credits are applied to your monthly bill with no annual reconciliation period, meaning any unused credits don’t roll over to the next year.
The program is available to Georgia Power residential customers who install qualifying solar systems, though specific eligibility requirements and system size limits should be confirmed directly with Georgia Power. Homeowners should understand that the export credit rate is significantly lower than retail electricity rates, making it most beneficial to size your solar system to match your home’s energy consumption rather than overproducing for export credits.
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 hot summers and mild winters create excellent solar conditions year-round. Despite occasional clouds, proper system design maximizes energy production in Georgia’s climate.
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 Installations in Atlanta
We’ve mapped solar installations across the United States to show how Atlanta neighborhoods are embracing clean energy. Explore this interactive map to discover which communities near you have already made the switch to solar power!
Leasing Solar Panels
Atlanta homeowners have access to Palmetto’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) through Georgia Power customers. With a PPA, you pay for the solar energy your system produces at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour instead of purchasing the panels outright.
This financing option eliminates upfront costs and maintenance responsibilities while providing immediate electricity savings. Comparing solar financing options helps you understand how PPAs differ from cash purchases in terms of long-term savings and ownership benefits.
Our LightReach program offers PPA solutions for eligible Georgia Power customers, handling system design, installation, monitoring, and maintenance while you enjoy predictable energy costs from day one.
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 excellent sense in Atlanta. With average savings of $45,000 over 25 years and Georgia’s 30% federal tax credit, Atlanta homeowners see strong returns on solar investments.
Atlanta receives abundant sunshine year-round, making solar panels highly productive. Combined with rising electricity rates and available incentives, solar provides both immediate savings and long-term financial benefits for most Atlanta homes.
Atlanta has net billing, not traditional net metering. Most Atlanta utilities offer export credit programs where excess solar energy is purchased at wholesale rates (typically 3-8.5¢/kWh) rather than full retail rates.
Georgia Power provides the most generous program at ~8.5¢/kWh for exported solar energy, while Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) like Cobb EMC and Jackson EMC offer monthly net metering with excess credited at avoided cost rates.
Yes, solar panels typically increase home value in Atlanta. Zillow research shows solar panels increase home value by 4.1% on average, which translates to approximately $8,000-$15,000 for typical Atlanta homes.
Atlanta’s strong solar market and buyer awareness of energy savings make solar installations attractive to potential buyers. Solar homes often sell faster and command premium prices, especially as more buyers prioritize energy efficiency and lower utility costs.
Solar installation costs in Atlanta range from $14,000 to $21,000 after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs.
For a typical Atlanta home (2,000-3,000 sq ft), you can expect to pay around $17,370 for an 8.93 kW system. This investment typically pays for itself in 11.7 years through electricity savings, with total 25-year savings averaging $45,000.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Atlanta. With average savings of $45,000 over 25 years and a typical payback period of 11.7 years, solar provides strong long-term returns for Atlanta homeowners.
The 30% federal tax credit reduces upfront costs significantly, while Georgia’s net billing programs and rising electricity rates make solar increasingly valuable. Most Atlanta homes see monthly savings immediately after installation.
We’ve completed over 2,471 installations in Georgia since 2020, bringing trusted solar solutions to Atlanta communities. As a national company with local focus, we offer comprehensive financing options and work with experienced installation partners throughout the metro area.
Our approach combines industry-leading technology with personalized service, helping Atlanta homeowners navigate solar from initial consultation through system activation. We handle permitting, utility coordination, and ongoing support to ensure your solar investment delivers maximum value.