State-Sponsored Incentives for Residential & Commercial Solar
Many state governments offer incentives, like rebates and tax credits, to individuals and businesses who purchase solar energy systems. In some instances, these programs can drastically reduce the up-front costs associated with purchasing such a system. Read here for information on the programs available in Georgia. Also, don't forget about the 30% tax credit and accelerated depreciation rules provided by the federal government.
For a complete listing of solar energy professionals in your area, visit our Georgia Solar Directory.
Since 2002, Georgia has had in place a clear set of net-metering rules for solar power, wind and fuel cells. Residential systems must not exceed 10kW, while commercial systems must not exceed 100kW. The good news is that all utilities are included in the program. The not-so-good news is that they’re legally obliged to purchase only a limited amount of customer-generated power. The cutoff is set at 0.2% of the utility’s annual peak demand from the preceding year. Nevertheless, chances are good that you will receive credit from your utility for any net excess generation (NEG) from your PV system.
Residential PV and solar hot water systems are eligible for the Clean Energy Tax Credit for 35% of system costs up to $10,500 for PV systems and $2,500 for solar hot water systems.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), that stoic relic from the New Deal era, offers some incentives through its Generation Partners program. Put briefly, the TVA will purchase 100% of your system’s output for $0.12 per kilowatt-hour on top of the retail rate for solar for 10 years. What’s more, they offer a one-time payment of $1000 for qualifying residential customers.
Georgia Power offers another production based incentive through its Solar Buyback Program, paying $0.17 per kWh generated by PV systems.
Georgia utilities offer some enticing rebates as well. Central Georgia EMC, Cobb EMC, GreyStone Power, and Jackson EMC all offer $450 per kW installed capacity up to $4500 for PV systems, while Sawnee EMC offers $300 per kW installed up to $3000. For solar hot water systems, GreyStone Power offers $500 per system, Cobb EMC and Jackson EMC offer $450 per system, and Walton EMC offers $400 per system.
Updated 7/8/10 Georgia: Residential Solar Incentives |
