Georgia Solar Calculator
Georgia Power RNR-11 & EMC Guide
Georgia's solar landscape is more complicated than most states. Whether you're served by Georgia Power or one of 41 independent Electric Membership Cooperatives, your export credit, system size limit, and financial case differ significantly. Read what actually applies to your address in 2026.
Federal 30% Tax Credit (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025
The Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) expired under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and does not apply to systems installed in 2026 or later. Any quote, calculator, or contractor estimate still showing a 30% federal tax credit for a 2026 Georgia installation is outdated and incorrect. Do not factor this into your financial analysis.
Property Tax Exemption Expires January 1, 2027 — Act Before the Window Closes
Georgia's solar property tax exemption under O.C.G.A. § 48-5-41.1 (first $25,000 of added home value exempt from property tax assessment) is set to expire January 1, 2027. If you're considering going solar in 2026, confirm current status with your county tax assessor — the legislature could extend or modify the exemption before then.
Georgia Power Solar Buy Back Program (RNR-11)
PSC Dockets 4822 and 16573 — what new 2026 customers actually get
Monthly Netting Track — CLOSED
The monthly netting track (which offered more favorable credit accumulation) hit its 5,000-customer statewide cap in 2021 and is closed to new applicants. You cannot enroll in this track in 2026.
Instantaneous Netting Track — Active
New 2026 Georgia Power customers are placed on the instantaneous netting track. Exported solar is credited at the Solar Avoided Cost Rate plus a PSC-approved 4¢/kWh adder — combined roughly 7.2¢/kWh (estimate; updated with PSC filings). Retail rates run ~14–15.5¢/kWh, so exports earn less than half of retail.
Apply BEFORE Installation — Retroactive Enrollment Not Allowed
Georgia Power requires application and approval before your system is installed. Retroactive enrollment in the Solar Buy Back Program is not permitted. If you install first and apply later, you may be ineligible. Start the application process early and get written confirmation before panels go on your roof.
Design for self-consumption: Because exports earn roughly half of retail, the most financially efficient Georgia Power solar system is sized to offset what you actually use on-site — not to export surplus. Work with your installer to model self-consumption scenarios, not maximum production.
Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) — 4.4 Million Georgians
41 independent co-ops, each with its own solar rules — there is no statewide EMC standard
About 4.4 million Georgians — particularly those in suburban and rural areas outside Atlanta — are served by one of 41 independent Electric Membership Cooperatives, not Georgia Power. Each EMC sets its own solar export buyback rate, system size limits, and interconnection rules independently through its own board. There is no statewide standard for EMC solar programs.
Example EMC Rates — For Illustration Only, Not Current Quotes
The three examples below are approximate historical figures to illustrate the range across co-ops. Rates change via board decisions. Do not assume these apply to your cooperative — contact your specific EMC directly for current terms.
If You're an EMC Customer: First Step
Check your electric bill to confirm your utility. If it's a co-op name — Cobb EMC, Sawnee EMC, Jackson EMC, Snapping Shoals EMC, Coweta-Fayette EMC, or any other — call them directly and ask:
- What is your current residential solar buyback/export credit rate?
- What is the maximum system size you'll approve?
- Are there monthly fixed charges for solar customers?
- What is the interconnection application process and timeline?
Georgia Solar Incentives — 2026 Reality Check
Property Tax Exemption
Expires Jan 1, 2027O.C.G.A. § 48-5-41.1 exempts the first $25,000 of home value added by solar from property tax assessment. Set to expire January 1, 2027 — installing in 2026 captures the remaining window. Confirm current status with your county tax assessor before installation.
Sales Tax — No Confirmed Exemption
Standard Tax AppliesThere is no confirmed dedicated statewide sales tax exemption for residential solar equipment in Georgia. Expect standard 4% state sales tax plus local county tax (often 3–4% more). Confirm exact tax treatment on your installer's quote.
State Income Tax Credit
Not Available in 2026Georgia does not offer a broad statewide personal income tax credit for residential solar installations in 2026. There is no state-level equivalent to the former federal ITC.
Federal 30% Tax Credit (Section 25D)
Expired Dec 31, 2025The Residential Clean Energy Credit expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It does not apply to any system installed in 2026 or later. Reject any quote that includes this credit for a 2026 installation.
Estimate Your Georgia Solar Savings
Results below reflect Georgia's electricity rate range and sun hours. Because Georgia Power and EMC export rates vary significantly, treat payback estimates as a starting range — get a customized quote from a local installer who knows your specific utility's current program.
DISCLAIMER: All estimates are approximations based on regional averages. Actual savings vary by location, roof orientation, utility provider, and installer. This calculator does not guarantee specific savings.
Estimate Your Solar Savings
Find out how much you can save based on your location and current energy usage.
Georgia Solar Context — What to Know Before You Install
Solid production potential; southern Georgia tends toward the higher end of this range.
Below the national average — moderates payback speed compared to high-cost states like CT or CA.
For Georgia Power customers, maximizing on-site use (rather than exporting at ~7.2¢) is essential to a strong ROI.
First Step: Know Your Utility
Your solar economics depend heavily on who provides your electricity. Check your most recent electric bill for the utility name. The two main scenarios for 2026:
You're on the RNR-11 instantaneous netting track — ~7.2¢/kWh export credit. Apply and get approved BEFORE installation. Contact Georgia Power at 1-888-660-5890 or georgia.com/solar.
Call your specific EMC directly — there is no statewide standard. Ask for their current residential solar buyback rate, system size limits, and fixed charges before getting installer quotes.
Georgia Solar FAQ — 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about solar incentives, costs, and savings.