2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Fairburn, GA - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Fairburn.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Fairburn solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Fairburn?

Biomass Sales and Use Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Georgia Power - Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Single Family
Central AC Replacement: $50
Air/Duct Sealing: $300
Attic Insulation: $250
Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Home Energy Assessment: $150
Smart Thermostat: $75
Heat Pump conversion: $250

Multifamily
Central AC Replacement: $25
Air/Duct Sealing: $150
Attic Insulation: $125
Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Home Energy Assessment: $75
Smart Thermostat: $38
Heat Pump conversion: $125

Central Georgia EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Home Plus Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program

Coweta-Fayette EMC - SmartChoice Home Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
New Homes
Programmable Thermostat: $50
Electric Vehicle Charging Station: $100
Heat Pump/Air Conditioner: $100
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250

Coweta-Fayette EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Programmable Thermostat: $50/unit
Electric Vehicle Charging Station: $100/unit
Heat Pump/Air Conditioner Replacement: $100/unit
Heat Pump Water Heater/Solar Water Heater: $250

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are designed to mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. This category of financial incentives is in place to encourage more Americans to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. These incentives can include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the Georgia government and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Fairburn utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you might make back a percentage of the value.
  • Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually be deducted from your total price before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when calculating property tax for your home.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind when you think about solar incentives. One of the incentives that most people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a certain percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC initially applied to 30% of the total cost of solar panel installation, although that number has fluctuated slightly over the years between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, equipment and labor. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Fairburn solar panel installer to get more information.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now titled the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit runs until 2035. Solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount will then decrease slightly on a yearly basis until the current program ends. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Fairburn solar panel company can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Rebates, tax credits and more may be available at a more local level. These solar incentives — which may be given by the state of Georgia, or by your county or municipality — might be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Fairburn

The expanding number of available solar incentives has enormously increased the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the last 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from your local utility company, the Georgia government or the federal government. Your local Fairburn solar panel installation expert can provide you with more details about which incentives you might qualify for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Fairburn, GA Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I find out if I qualify for specific solar incentives?

Generally, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar system
  2. installed on a property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those run by the Georgia government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Fairburn solar installer to find out what incentives your project will qualify for.

My home already has solar panels installed. Do I qualify for any incentives?

An excellent idea would be to talk to someone from the company that installed your solar panels — or call a local Fairburn solar installer — to better understand which incentives you might qualify for. If your system was installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to Fairburn's top solar panel companies.

I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can get?

Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a number of new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

Can I use a combination of solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and wind power. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. Make sure that you discuss your plan with your local Fairburn solar panel installer, to make sure you know what you'll need and what incentives you may or may not qualify for.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

Follow us