2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Vinings, GA - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 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 Vinings solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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 Vinings?

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

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 help mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. Financial incentives like these are intended to encourage more people to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. You may be eligible for various types of incentives, including discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Georgia and others from the federal government. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels may qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the added value of the solar panels when calculating property taxes on your house.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the federal government.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Vinings utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you may 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 system. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. Any rebates you receive will usually be deducted from your total price before tax credits are calculated.

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

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost – for panels, equipment, accessories and labor – although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Speaking with your local Vinings solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC applies to your situation.

The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit lasts until 2035. Your solar installation project undertaken between 2022 and 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount will decrease slightly on a yearly basis until the current program ends. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, talk to your local Vinings solar installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Tax credits, rebates and more might be available at a more local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. Incentives might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the Georgia government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Vinings

Solar incentives can come from the federal government, the Georgia government or your local utility company. The large number of available incentives has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. We suggest talking to your local Vinings solar installer for more information about these incentives and to be sure that you're getting the most money possible for your solar panels.

EcoWatch's Vinings, GA Solar Incentives FAQs

If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?

If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you had your system installed between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Reaching out to the company that installed your system, or any local Vinings solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you might want to apply for.

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?

You can lower your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually by installing solar panels. This adds up to approximately 9,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, which means that making the switch lessens the drain on our planet's resources.

Can I apply for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

The order your incentives will be applied in could vary depending on which incentives you are claiming but typically yes, you can claim multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Get in touch with your solar installer or a local tax professional to make sure you are claiming all possible incentives and applying them in the correct order.

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

Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of wind and solar. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss your plan with your local Vinings solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what types of incentives you might or might 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.

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