Curious why your friend in another state seems to get dollar-for-dollar solar credits, while Georgia homeowners do not? If you are buying a home with panels, thinking about adding them, or preparing to sell, understanding how credits work on your bill can save you real money. In a few minutes, you will learn the difference between net metering and net billing in Georgia, what Georgia Power pays for exported energy, and the key questions to ask as a buyer or seller. Let’s dive in.
Georgia solar credits in plain English
Net metering vs. net billing
Most Georgia homeowners do not get 1:1 retail net metering. State law enabled utilities to offer programs, but it did not require retail-rate netting statewide. Utilities set the terms under Public Service Commission oversight and program caps, which the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency summarizes for Georgia policy history and limits. You can review the state summary on DSIRE to see how programs are structured and capped in Georgia.
- In a true net metering setup, every exported kilowatt-hour gets credited at the same retail rate you pay. Georgia does not offer broad 1:1 net metering, though some past pilots had limited enrollments. For background on how pilots and monthly netting work in practice, see the National Academies’ discussion of state program models.
- In Georgia’s common net billing model, you get full retail value only for the solar you use in your home. Any excess you send to the grid earns a separate export credit at a utility buyback rate that is much lower than retail. Georgia Power explains this under its Residential Rooftop Solar FAQs.
Why exports are worth less than retail
As of Oct 16, 2025, Georgia Power lists a Solar Avoided Cost of 3.3153¢/kWh for 2025, plus a 4.0¢/kWh adder. That means exported energy is credited at roughly 7.3153¢/kWh in 2025. By comparison, recent Georgia residential retail electricity prices are in the mid‑teens cents per kWh, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The takeaway is simple: exported kilowatt-hours are typically worth about half, sometimes less, than the power you avoid buying at retail.
Review Georgia Power’s current rooftop solar FAQs
See Georgia’s state energy profile and retail prices from EIA
How Georgia Power credits your rooftop solar
What shows up on your bill
Under Georgia Power’s Renewable and Non‑Renewable Resources (RNR) program:
- Self‑consumed solar lowers your usage at the full retail rate. This is the biggest driver of savings.
- Exported energy earns a Renewable Generation Credit at the avoided-cost rate plus the approved adder. Credits are applied with monthly settlement under the tariff, not a year-long retail rollover.
Georgia Power’s FAQs outline the current avoided-cost value, monthly crediting, and application steps.
Read Georgia Power’s program details and FAQs
Program limits to know
Georgia’s framework includes caps and technical limits. Historically, qualifying residential systems have been limited to about 10 kW AC, and participation caps have targeted cumulative capacity at 0.2% of a utility’s prior‑year peak demand. These caps, along with first‑come enrollment, explain why some programs filled quickly and why expansion requires regulatory action. DSIRE tracks these limits and links to utility-specific terms.
Check DSIRE’s Georgia policy summary and program links
Not on Georgia Power? Check your utility
Georgia Power is the largest utility, but many Georgians are served by EMCs and municipal utilities. Policies can vary, from different export credit formulas to one‑time rebates. Before you assume savings, review your specific utility’s program page and DSIRE’s listings for your provider.
See examples of Georgia incentives across utilities
What this means for payback
Because exported energy is credited below retail, your savings improve when you use more of your own production.
- Right-size your system. Aim to match, or be slightly below, your annual usage to avoid large seasonal overproduction.
- Shift loads to daylight. Run dishwashers, laundry, and EV charging during sunny hours when possible.
- Consider storage. A battery can store midday solar to use in the evening, which often improves economics under net billing. Model costs carefully using your utility’s current export rate and your retail price.
Quick example math
If you export 1,000 kWh in a year, those exports might be credited at about 7.3¢/kWh, or roughly $73. If you had used that same energy on-site, at a retail rate near 15¢/kWh, it would avoid about $150 in purchases. The gap illustrates why self‑consumption matters.
How we calculated, checked Oct 16, 2025:
- Export credit: Georgia Power’s 2025 Solar Avoided Cost of 3.3153¢/kWh plus a 4.0¢/kWh adder ≈ 7.3153¢/kWh.
- Retail rate comparison: recent Georgia residential prices from EIA in the mid‑teens cents/kWh.
Confirm Georgia Power’s 2025 avoided-cost and adder
Review current Georgia retail price data from EIA
Buying a Georgia home with solar
Do a focused review during due diligence so you know how the system fits your bills and your utility’s rules.
Checklist:
- Is the system owned (not leased)? Keep copies of purchase, warranty, and production guarantee documents.
- Which utility serves the property, and what export credit policy applies?
- Have Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) been assigned or retained by the owner? Check the paperwork.
- Is there an executed interconnection agreement, and are there any monthly fees or special meter charges?
- What are the inverter rating and any battery details? Some Georgia Power options reference a 10 kW AC limit for eligibility.
Use DSIRE to review Georgia policies and utility links
See Georgia Power’s interconnection and billing FAQs
Selling a Georgia home with solar
Help buyers feel confident by providing clear documentation upfront.
- Confirm ownership status, warranties, and any service contracts.
- Share the current utility program, a recent 12‑month production report, and a before/after bill snapshot.
- Provide the interconnection agreement, installer contact, and any battery or inverter specifications.
- Clarify REC ownership and whether any environmental attributes were transferred.
Because Georgia programs have caps and export rates change, advise buyers to model current pricing using your utility’s posted export rate and the latest retail prices.
Sizing and batteries: practical advice
In Georgia, you usually get the most value when you match system size to your usage and use more of your own production. Storage can help shift midday surplus to evening needs, which often improves savings under net billing. Georgia Power’s published avoided cost and adder explain why using your own power is typically more valuable than exporting it.
Read Georgia Power’s explanation of export credits
About federal tax credits
Historically, many homeowners used the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit to lower costs. As of Oct 16, 2025, federal policy changed in 2025 and timing and eligibility for systems installed after 2025 are in flux. Before relying on a specific percentage in your decision, confirm current IRS guidance and speak with a qualified tax professional about your situation.
Review the Congressional Research Service overview of the credit
The bottom line for Georgia homeowners
Georgia uses net billing, not broad 1:1 net metering. As of Oct 16, 2025, Georgia Power credits exports at roughly 7.3¢/kWh, while retail prices are in the mid‑teens. That gap means your best savings come from right-sizing, shifting usage to sunny hours, and considering storage if it fits your budget. If you are weighing homes with solar or planning upgrades, a little homework on your utility’s rules will make your decision clearer and your results stronger.
Have questions about how a solar system could affect your home search, sale, or appraisal in Athens, Oconee, or across Northeast Georgia? Let’s talk through your options and the market impact together. Connect with Jennifer Westmoreland for tailored guidance.
FAQs
Do Georgia homeowners get 1:1 net metering credits for rooftop solar?
- Most do not. Georgia utilities commonly use net billing where exported energy is credited below retail, so self‑consumption delivers the biggest savings. Check your utility’s tariff and FAQs.
How much does Georgia Power pay for exported solar in 2025?
- As of Oct 16, 2025, Georgia Power lists a 2025 Solar Avoided Cost of 3.3153¢/kWh plus a 4.0¢/kWh adder, for an export credit near 7.3153¢/kWh under its rooftop solar FAQ.
Will adding a battery improve solar savings under Georgia’s net billing?
- Often yes. A battery lets you use more of your own midday solar in the evening, which replaces retail purchases instead of earning a lower export credit. Always model costs and savings first.
What should I ask when buying a Georgia home with existing solar panels?
- Confirm ownership, warranties, interconnection agreement, the serving utility’s export policy, REC ownership, system production history, and any battery or inverter details and limits.
Is the 30% federal solar tax credit still available in 2025?
- Federal policy changed in 2025. Before relying on a percentage, confirm current IRS guidance and consult a tax professional about eligibility and timing for your project, checked Oct 16, 2025.
