Solar Panel Cost in Georgia: Local Solar Installation Prices (2022)
Here’s a quick look at the estimated cost of solar in Georgia:
- Average Cost Per Watt: $2.55
- Cost of Average System: $20,757*
- Cost of Energy Without Solar: $51,232
- Payback Period: 12 Years**
- Lifetime Savings of Going Solar: $23,182
*Average system size is calculated using data from the Energy Information Administration. This price is after tax credit.
**Payback period is calculated assuming the system is purchased in cash.
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Save Money on Solar in Georgia
As a homeowner in Georgia, you may be wondering: How much do solar panels cost in your area? In this article, we’ll discuss the average cost of a solar installation, how much that can save you on energy for your home and what incentives are available in your region. If you want to jump straight to getting a quote for an installation, you can follow the links below to speak with a verified professional.
Jump to Section:
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Georgia?
- What Determines the Cost of Solar Panels in Georgia?
- Georgia Solar Incentives
- FAQ: Cost of Solar Panels in Georgia
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Energy-Efficiency Audits
If you live in the Peach State and are looking to switch to renewable energy, you may be wondering about the cost of solar panels in Georgia. In this article, we’ll break down average prices of solar panel installations in the state to help you decide whether this type of clean energy is worth it for your home.
The numbers you’ll see below are averages, but solar energy system costs can fluctuate greatly depending on things like the type of equipment you choose to install and your household energy use.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Georgia?
Using market research and data from top solar companies, we’ve determined that the average cost of solar panels in Georgia is $2.55 per watt. This is below the U.S. average of $2.66 per watt.
Based on that average cost, you can expect to pay $9,423 for a 5-kilowatt home solar system in Georgia. The actual price for a system of this size is around $12,733, but the net cost becomes much lower after subtracting the 26% federal tax credit. The following table summarizes the average prices of home solar systems in Georgia ranging from 5 to 10 kilowatts (the most common residential system sizes):
| Size of Solar Panel System | Georgia Solar Panel Cost | Cost After Federal Tax Credit |
| 5 kW | $12,733 | $9,423 |
| 6 kW | $15,280 | $11,307 |
| 7 kW | $17,827 | $13,192 |
| 8 kW | $20,373 | $15,076 |
| 9 kW | $22,920 | $16,961 |
| 10 kW | $25,467 | $18,845 |
Keep in mind these are average costs, based on general data from Georgia’s solar industry. However, these prices can vary based on factors like the complexity of your roof and the solar brands available near you.
What Determines the Cost of Solar Panels in Georgia?
As mentioned, average solar prices in Georgia are useful as a starting point, but the actual cost of your system can vary. The energy consumption profile of your home is a key factor that determines how many solar panels you need, as homes with high electricity demands will need larger systems, which are more expensive.
The cost of going solar also depends on the equipment brands used, the company providing the installation service, and how you decide to pay for the system. Additional features like solar batteries and energy management systems also increase the total cost of your solar installation. For example, you can expect to pay an additional $10,000 to $15,000 if you add a home battery to your solar panel system.
Solar Equipment
Naturally, if you want the best solar panels, you’ll pay a premium for them. There are plenty of solar panel brands to choose from, however. Some brands focus on developing the most efficient solar panels on the market, which makes them a premium product. Conversely, there are solar brands that focus on making more affordable solar panels, but this often means you get a lower efficiency or a shorter warranty.
As a general rule, monocrystalline solar panels have a higher efficiency and a higher cost than polycrystalline panels. If you choose monocrystalline panels with a 25-year warranty, you can expect a higher price than another homeowner using polycrystalline panels with a 10-year warranty.
The same principle applies to the inverter, the device that converts the direct current (DC) power from your solar panels into alternating current (AC) power that can be used by your home appliances. For example, a solar inverter that only accomplishes its basic function will be less expensive than a more complex unit with energy management features.
Solar Financing
There are three main ways to pay for a solar panel system: a single cash payment, getting a solar loan and paying over time, and signing a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). Your total out-of-pocket cost will change depending on the payment option you choose. Here is a brief cost comparison:
| Solar Financing Method | Pros | Cons |
| Cash purchase | + Fully covers the cost of your system, so there are no interest payments or fees
+ Will give you the highest return on investment |
– You’ll need to cover a large sum upfront (over $12,000 for a 5-kW solar system in Maryland) |
| Solar loan | + Divides the upfront cost of the system into smaller payments over time
+ You get electric bill savings right away, and they can be used to pay off the loan + You’re still eligible to claim the federal solar tax credit |
– Your overall cost will be higher due to interest |
| Solar lease or PPA | + The solar company you choose will cover all installation costs, as well as maintenance | – You’ll still need to pay to access the energy that’s produced by the panels
– The solar panels installed on your roof remain under the ownership of the solar company, so you’re not eligible for the tax credit or other incentives |
Installation Company
You’ll want to choose a solar company you can trust, as installations are complex and can damage your roof structure if not done correctly. If your panels are installed with shoddy workmanship, a panel could go flying during a storm or you might have frequent electrical faults. In a worst-case scenario, a low-quality solar installation can start a fire and cause major property damage. Also, if the installation isn’t done properly, it can void your solar panels’ warranty.
The cost of installing solar also depends on the installation company you choose. Ideally, you should look for a provider with technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Skilled labor has a higher price, but it ensures a safe installation.
Before deciding on a provider, we recommend getting free quotes from a few companies. This way you can make sure you’re getting the best deal available in your area.
Georgia Solar Incentives
Unfortunately, there are no local incentive or rebate programs active in Georgia as of January 2022. However, some electricity providers have solar buyback programs, which are similar to net metering. In these programs, your utility company will purchase the surplus generation from your solar panels, subtracting it as a credit on your power bills.
Additionally, all home solar systems in the U.S. benefit from the federal solar tax credit. This credit is worth 26% of your system cost, but it is set to be reduced to 23% in 2023. Unless Congress extends the credit, it will not be available for residential solar from 2024 on.
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FAQ: Cost of Solar Panels in Georgia
At EcoWatch, we’re happy to get questions about the process and costs of getting rooftop solar from Georgia residents. Below are some of the questions we see most often, along with our responses. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
Yes, there is a tax credit for solar panels in 2022. Owners of both residential and commercial solar systems are eligible for a 26% federal tax credit. This means you can get a tax credit of $260 for every $1,000 invested in a solar power system. Georgia does not have a state tax credit, but the 26% federal tax credit is available everywhere in the U.S.
The best solar panels come with a 25-year product warranty, but they can typically outlast that period with minimal reductions in efficiency. For context, the typical payback period of a home solar system is between eight and 12 years, but some homeowners can see a full payback in as little as five years. From your break-even point to the end of your solar panels’ lifetime, you’re essentially powering your home for free.
Yes, solar panels increase home value. Studies have concluded that home values increase by around $6,000 per kilowatt of solar capacity. This means the average 5-kW system could add around $30,000 to your home value, and a 10-kW system could add around $60,000.
Leonardo David is an electromechanical engineer, MBA, energy consultant and technical writer. His energy-efficiency and solar consulting experience covers sectors including banking, textile manufacturing, plastics processing, pharmaceutics, education, food processing, fast food, real estate and retail. He has also been writing articles about energy and engineering topics since 2015.
