Discover the Power of Solar Energy in Georgia!
Welcome to Georgia, a state known for its rich history, diverse ecosystems, and now, its growing role in the solar energy landscape. With a climate that offers generous amounts of sunshine throughout the year, Georgia presents an excellent opportunity for solar power development. This potential provides a compelling option for homeowners and businesses interested in harnessing clean, renewable energy. Supported by attractive incentives aimed at lowering the barriers to entry and bolstered by a community enthusiastic about green initiatives, Georgia is on the verge of a solar breakthrough. Learn how tapping into the state?s solar capacity can light up your home, decrease energy expenses, and promote a healthier environment right here in the Peach State. Join us in utilizing the sun?s boundless energy and moving towards a brighter, more sustainable future in Georgia.
Explore Your Rooftop's Solar Potential
Discover how much solar energy your rooftop can generate. Enter your address below:
Georgia State Solar Incentives
Central Georgia EMC - Home Plus Loan for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Central Georgia EMC offers loans for energy efficiency home improvements that meet Energy Star criteria. They also provide in-home energy audits.
Georgia Interfaith Power and Light - Energy Improvement Grants
Georgia Interfaith Power and Light offers $10,000 grants for energy conservation projects to faith-based communities, including schools. Applications due by November 15 annually.
City of Atlanta - Sustainable Development Design Standards
Atlanta's green building ordinance of 2003 mandates sustainable design for city-owned facilities and funded projects over $2 million.
City of Chamblee - LEED Requirement for Public and Commercial Buildings
Chamblee, Georgia mandates new municipal buildings above 5,000 sq ft or $1 million to be LEED certified. Smaller projects may use alternative certifications.
Walton EMC - HomePlus Loan Program
Georgia's Walton EMC partners with GEMC Federal Credit Union to offer HomePlus Loans for customer's energy efficiency upgrades.
Interconnection Guidelines
Georgia's 2001 Act allows residential and commercial entities with renewable energy systems to connect to the grid, under specific safety standards.
Net Metering
Georgia Power will offer net metering to 5,000 rooftop solar customers or 32 MW of capacity. Excess generation will be paid at an avoided cost plus four cents/kWh from January 1, 2023.
Georgia Solar Easement Laws
Georgia's Solar Easements Act of 1978 encourages solar energy development by permitting easements for continued sunlight access. All easements must be legally documented.
Federal Solar Incentives
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.
