Georgia

Georgia Solar Incentives and Rebates

Georgia is one of the states in the US that has abundant sunshine and is therefore well-suited for solar energy production. However, unlike many other states, Georgia does not offer any state-level incentives for solar energy. In this article, we will be discussing the solar incentives and rebates available in Georgia, including the Federal Investment Tax Credit, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority’s (GEFA) rebate program, and the Solar Easements Act of 1978.

The Federal Investment Tax Credit in Georgia

One of the main incentives for solar energy in Georgia is the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a 30% tax credit for the cost of installing a solar energy system on a residential or commercial property and is available to all property owners, regardless of whether the property is a primary residence or a commercial property. The credit can be used to offset the cost of the solar energy system and can be claimed on the property owner’s federal income tax return.

State-Level Tax Incentives in Georgia

Georgia does not offer any state-level incentives for solar energy. However, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) does provide rebates to cities, counties, and K-12 public schools. The GEFA will reimburse up to 50% (or $50,000, whichever is less) of the cost of materials, design, and installation of up to 60 kilowatt (kW) ground mount or rooftop solar. This rebate is offered to government entities that are not eligible to receive the 30% federal tax credit that benefits for-profit facilities.

State-Wide Solar Initiatives in Georgia

There are currently no state-wide solar initiatives in Georgia. This means that property owners who wish to install a solar energy system must rely on the federal tax credit and the GEFA rebate program. The lack of state-wide solar initiatives in Georgia can be attributed to the lack of political will and the lack of funding for such initiatives.

State-Wide Tax Exemptions in Georgia

Another reason for the lack of state-wide solar initiatives in Georgia is the lack of state-wide tax exemptions for solar energy. Unlike many other states, Georgia does not offer any state-wide tax exemptions for solar energy. This means that property owners must pay the full cost of the solar energy system and are only able to claim the 30% federal tax credit.

Solar Easements in Georgia

Under Georgia’s Solar Easements Act of 1978, easements may be established to allow owners of solar-energy systems to negotiate for assurance of continued access to sunlight. Any easement must be created in writing and is subject to the same requirements as all other legal easements. The easement must contain: a description of the airspace affected by the easement, and any terms and/or conditions under which the easement is granted or will be terminated.

Net Metering in Georgia

The power generated by Solar panels in Georgia is credited through the process of net metering. Net metering allows property owners to receive credit for the excess power generated by their solar energy system. This credit can then be used to offset the cost of electricity during times when the solar energy system is not producing enough power.

Benefits of going solar in Georgia

The benefits of going solar in Georgia are numerous. Property owners can expect to see reduced electricity bills, increased property value, improved home resale value, and tax incentives. Additionally, solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy that can help to reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Conclusion

Overall, solar energy is a viable option for property owners in Georgia looking to reduce their electricity costs and their environmental footprint. The process of net metering allows property owners to receive credit for the excess power generated by their solar energy system, which can then be used to offset the cost of electricity. Additionally, the benefits of going solar in Georgia include reduced electricity bills, increased property value, improved home resale value, and tax incentives. With the Federal Investment Tax Credit, property owners can claim a 30% credit on their federal income tax return. With these incentives, it’s becoming more and more appealing for property owners to consider solar as a source of energy in Georgia.

FAQs

The cost of solar in Georgia is dependent on the size of the system and other factors, such as the type of solar panel and installation costs. Generally, homeowners can expect to pay between $15,000 and $25,000 for a typical solar energy system.

Georgia offers both residential and commercial solar energy systems. Residential systems typically include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and/or solar thermal systems. Commercial systems typically are more complex and may include solar PV, concentrated solar thermal, and other technologies. Get more information about types of solar systems at SolarEmpower.

Yes, Georgia offers a variety of incentives for residential and commercial solar energy systems. These incentives include the Georgia Solar Investment Tax Credit, the federal Investment Tax Credit, and state and local tax credits.

Yes, Georgia has an abundance of sunshine and solar energy is considered a reliable power source. Solar energy systems are designed to be reliable and efficient, providing a clean and renewable source of energy. Find expert reviews of solar companies in your area.

Yes, Georgia has a net metering policy that allows solar energy system owners to receive credits for the excess energy they produce. These credits can then be used to offset energy bills.