Palmetto Solar was the most popular solar company among respondents in Georgia, according to our 2024 survey. Get a quote on your own solar system installation today.
A state that receives abundant sunshine throughout the year, Georgia ranks seventh nationwide for installed solar capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The Peach State has installed 5,485 megawatts of solar capacity, enough to provide electricity for over 656,000 homes.
The MarketWatch Guides team ranked the best solar companies in Georgia based on several factors, such as equipment quality, service offerings and warranty terms. Our list includes industry leaders such as Sunpower, Palmetto Solar and Blue Raven Solar and local installers like Alternative Energy Southeast, Inc.
Compare Recommended Installers
*Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kilowatt (kW) solar systems as well as pricing information obtained directly from SunPower, Tesla, Palmetto and local providers. Your cost may vary.
Top 5 Solar Energy Companies in Georgia
If you are considering a home solar system in Georgia, we recommend the following companies. We based our selections on each company’s solar panel quality, financing options, workmanship and warranty terms, among other factors.
- Palmetto: Our top pick for protection plans
- SunPower: Most experienced
- Blue Raven Solar: Our pick for financing
- Momentum Solar: Our pick for solar system customization
- Alternative Energy Southeast, Inc.: Our pick for solar experience in Georgia
Our team analyzed trends and data across the U.S. solar industry, including the Georgia market, to determine our top picks. In 2023, we conducted two surveys of 2,000 total solar system owners nationwide and gathered key data, such as the cost of each respondent’s solar panels and experiences with their installer. To complement our findings, we looked at products and services offered by each company and read verified customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other third-party review sites. We also evaluated market opportunities and challenges in Georgia with data from the SEIA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
What To Look for in a Solar Company
Suppose you are considering a home solar system in Georgia. One general recommendation regardless of your state — look for an experienced solar company that installs high-quality equipment for a fair price. Considering the average cost of a home solar system in Georgia is $2.60 per watt, a 6 kW system will cost around $15,600 before the 30% federal solar tax credit.
However, each state has unique challenges and opportunities for solar owners. Here are our three recommendations when comparing solar companies in Georgia.
- Take advantage of low-interest solar loans: Georgia has a state net billing policy but no financial incentives to reduce the cost of solar panels. After claiming the 30% federal tax credit, solar customers do not have access to additional rebates or state tax credits to cover the remaining 70% of project costs. If you cannot afford a cash purchase, we recommend looking for a solar installation company with financing options, such as solar loans.
- Look for lengthy warranties: Considering the local sunshine conditions and electric tariffs, solar panels offer a payback period of nine to 12 years in Georgia. To ensure your return on investment, look for a long warranty. We consider a 25-year product warranty and 10-year workmanship as the standard length, but some solar companies offer even longer warranty terms.
- Consider adding a backup battery system: Georgia experiences tropical storms, tornadoes and hurricanes. These extreme weather events can knock down power lines, causing widespread power outages. However, a solar panel and battery system can keep your home powered during outages.
Benefits of Going Solar in Georgia
The Peach State has abundant sunshine, so solar panels are more productive than in many other regions of the country. Georgia homeowners who install solar panels can expect the following benefits:
- Ongoing power bill savings: A 6 kW solar system can generate around 8,500 kWh of energy per year in a city like Atlanta or Columbus. With an average residential rate of 14.01 cents, solar energy can save homeowners up to $1,191 a year.
- Offset rising electricity costs: Georgia’s electricity prices increased by 17% from 2013 and 2023, according to EIA data. By installing solar panels, you can offset grid energy usage and protect yourself from price hikes in the future.
- Generate electricity during blackouts: If you are concerned about power outages during the hurricane season, a solar panel and battery system can provide electricity for your home 24/7.
- Reduce your carbon footprint: Georgia generates around 65% of its electricity using gas and coal-fired power plants, which are a constant source of carbon emissions. With solar panels, you reduce your consumption of fossil fuel electricity.
Common Concerns
Georgia has plenty of sunshine, but we suggest homeowners consider the below concerns before going solar.
- Long payback period: Because Georgia has below-average electric tariffs, the savings per kilowatt-hour of solar electricity are also lower. As a result, your solar payback period can extend to more than 10 years. However, looking for a solar company offering warranties of at least 25 years can ensure your system produces energy beyond your payback period.
- Lack of state solar incentives: Georgia does not have any local tax credits, tax exemptions or solar rebate programs. Homeowners who go solar have access only to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), a nationwide incentive that allows you to claim 30% of your system cost as a federal tax credit. To avoid paying a large upfront system cost, we recommend finding a solar company with low-interest financing options like a solar loan.
- Low net-billing rates: Georgia has a statewide net billing rate that pays solar panel owners for the excess energy they send back to the grid. However, the rates for surplus solar energy are lower than what you pay when using grid electricity. Alternatively, you can use a solar battery to store this excess energy and save the full value of each kilowatt-hour of electricity.
Solar Trends in Georgia
Georgia has become one of the U.S.’s leading solar markets. Here are some interesting facts and figures about the solar industry in Georgia.
- Georgia has the seventh-highest solar capacity among all states at 5,485 MW as of Oct. 2023.
- According to the SEIA, Georgia could add 3,485 MW of solar power between 2024 and 2028. This forecast represents a growth rate of more than 63% within five years.
- Georgia’s solar industry has received over $6.1 billion in cumulative investment. At the time of this writing, the state had 241 solar companies and 5,382 solar jobs.
Solar power only accounts for 6.09% of electricity generation in Georgia, which means there is a major growth opportunity. The state still generates around 65% of its electricity from fossil fuels.
Georgia Solar Incentives
The main challenge for home solar systems in Georgia is the lack of state tax credits and rebate programs. Homeowners can claim the 30% federal tax credit, but there are no state incentives to help cover the remaining 70% of project costs. If you want to avoid the upfront cost of a solar system, we recommend looking for installers offering a solar loan.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the largest U.S. solar incentive program. If you install a home solar system, you can claim 30% of the costs as a federal tax credit. A 6 kW system in Georgia with a price of $15,600 would qualify for a $4,680 tax credit. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, this solar incentive is in place through 2034.
State Tax Credits
Georgia does not offer state tax credits or rebate programs for solar panel systems. However, some incentive programs exist for energy efficiency measures and other renewable technologies. You can read more about these programs using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in Georgia
Yes, Georgia is a good state for solar due to its large amount of direct sunlight and growth in the solar industry. Despite the state’s lack of solar incentives, residents can still save money by transitioning to solar energy.
The average cost of solar in Georgia is around $3 per watt, higher than the national average of $2.78. Based on this pricing, a 6-kilowatt system would cost $18,000 but could range from $15,300 to $20,000. Solar energy systems vary in price depending on your location, solar provider, energy needs and other factors.
No, Georgia doesn’t have a statewide solar tax credit. However, residents can use the federal solar tax credit to save money on their installations.
Yes, Georgia offers community solar programs for residents who want to benefit from solar energy without committing to owning panels. Customers can purchase a block of solar panels through their utility company and receive credits for the energy generated by their solar block. Georgia Power and Walter EMC offer community solar programs for residential customers.