Georgia Power offers limited net metering capacity; check enrollment status.
Avg residential rate13.5¢ / kWh
Avg system cost$2.70 / W ($31,050 for 11.5 kW)
Peak sun hours / day4.8
Net meteringPartial Net Metering
State tax creditNone
Federal tax credit30% (Residential Clean Energy Credit, through 2032)
Property tax exemptionNo
Sales tax exemptionNo
Georgia payback by monthly electric bill
The bigger your current bill, the faster solar pays back. Here's how the numbers work out for a typical Georgia home:
Monthly bill
System size
Gross cost
Federal credit
State credit
Net cost
Year-1 savings
Payback
$100
6.2 kW
$16,686
−$5,006
$0
$11,680
$1,140
9.2 yr
$150
9.3 kW
$25,029
−$7,509
$0
$17,520
$1,710
9.2 yr
$200
12.4 kW
$33,372
−$10,012
$0
$23,360
$2,280
9.2 yr
$300
18.5 kW
$50,058
−$15,017
$0
$35,041
$3,420
9.2 yr
Assumes 95% bill offset, 3% annual rate inflation, 0.5% annual panel degradation, and a 25-year system life.
Calculate your exact Georgia solar payback
Enter your real monthly electric bill to see your personalized payback estimate.
Best path forward in Georgia
The fastest, free way to see real installer quotes for your roof is to use a marketplace like EnergySage. You'll get up to 4 competing bids from local pros without phone harassment.
How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves in Georgia?
For a typical Georgia home with a $150/month electric bill, a 9.3 kW system pays for itself in about 9.2 years. Higher bills (or higher state incentives) shorten this; lower bills lengthen it.
What's the average cost of solar panels in Georgia?
Georgia installers average $2.70 per watt before incentives. A typical 11.5 kW system costs roughly $31,050 gross, or about $17,520 after federal and state credits.
Does Georgia offer a state solar tax credit?
Georgia does not offer a state-level solar tax credit. However, the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit still applies, and there may be utility rebates in your service area.
Does Georgia have net metering?
Georgia has partial net metering. Excess generation is credited, but at a reduced rate or with caps on system size or aggregate program capacity. Check your utility's specific rules.
Are solar panels worth it in Georgia in 2026?
For most Georgia homeowners with a monthly electric bill above $100, the answer is yes — payback typically lands between 6.4 and 12 years depending on roof orientation, shade, and incentive timing. The 30% federal credit is locked in through 2032, removing a major timing risk.