The cost of installing a solar system depends on factors such as the capacity or size of the system, local labor costs and the availability of incentives. The initial cost increases when you add components such as a solar battery or electric vehicle (EV) charger.
The size of the solar system and the energy needs of private households
Homeowners with higher electricity usage will need a larger solar system to meet their energy needs. You can also choose a smaller system if it uses less power.
According to the Energy Information Administration's Survey of Residential Energy Use, Georgia is part of the South Atlantic Census region, where average household consumption is 13,100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. To generate 7,500 kWh for a home in Atlanta, you would need a solar system with a capacity of about 5 kW. To produce 12,000 kWh of electricity a year, you need about 8 kW of power.
You can work with your solar installer to determine the right size of system for your home.
Solar module type and brand.
The type of solar panels you use will affect the price of your system. Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient option, but also the most expensive. Polycrystalline panels are average in cost and efficiency, while thin film panels are the most efficient and cheapest. Most solar companies offer monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels because thin-film panels require more space to compensate for lower efficiency.
The cost can also vary depending on the brand of solar panel you want to install. For example, we know that high-efficiency solar panels like SunPower's cost more than Canadian Solar's.
Local solar incentives
Solar incentives such as tax credits and rebates can lower the initial cost of a solar PV system. Financial incentives for solar energy can include tax rebates, tax credits or cash rebates. Based on our research, there are no solar energy incentive programs in Georgia. However, you can claim a significant tax deduction through the federal solar tax, which is available nationwide.
State net metering policy
Net metering involves feeding excess solar energy generated by your solar system back into the grid for a credit on your energy bill. You can then get a credit on your bill to pay for grid electricity when needed, for example at night.
Georgia has a net metering policy, but the allowance per kilowatt-hour of energy is much lower than the utility rates. Therefore, you can get better results with a solar system designed around your daily energy use to minimize excess production. Alternatively, you can install a solar and battery system to store excess energy for later use.
Georgia Power is the state's largest utility. Learn more about Georgia Power's metering program.
