Utility Bill iconHow much money can solar save me on my utility bills?

Savings vary widely depending on a number of factors. The specific conditions at your site affect the amount of power generated. Utility rates in your area also are a significant factor in how much you can save. The higher the rates, the more you save for every kilowatt hour your solar panels generate. A reliable solar professional can extrapolate estimated savings from analyzing several months of your power bills.

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House iconHow do I get solar for my home/business?

Begin by contacting a solar professional and asking for a consultation. A well-trained professional can assess the site’s suitability for solar, determine the right size of solar array to install and estimate the cost of the system. Most solar professionals can discuss a range of possible financing methods and help you decide which one makes the most sense for you. If your site is not suitable, you should look into the availability of community solar.

Read more about community solar.

Farm iconCan I make money from putting solar on my farmland?

A number of important factors must be present for a large solar installation to make sense. The factors a solar developer will consider include topography, climate conditions, accessibility of high-voltage utility wires, and other factors. A solar professional can assess your land’s prospects for solar and tell you if the right conditions are present.

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Install cost iconIs solar expensive? How can I pay for solar installation?

The cost of solar installation has fallen 70% in the past 10 years and continues to drop as technology, financing and installation methods improve. Many residential systems pay for themselves in five to seven years, and the panels continue to generate electricity for more than 20 years. Read more on our Solar for Homeowners Page. ROI on commercial systems can be even faster. Read more on our Solar for Businesses Page. The initial investment can be significant, but creative financing methods can help defray the initial financial outlay. Your solar professional can discuss the options and help you select the financing plan that works best for your budget.

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Apartment iconCan I get solar energy if I am a renter?

The fast-growing availability of community solar is making the cost and environmental benefits of solar available to everyone. If no community solar is available in your area, consider organizing with your neighbors and local officials to create a community solar site.

 

Calendar iconHow long does a solar panel last?

Most solar panels can be expected to generate power for more than 20 years. Although the amount of generation decreases over time, some panels have been known to continue producing power for as much as 30 years. With improving technology, these life spans are likely to rise. In addition to the clean, emission-free power solar panels produce, the greatest attraction is their long life, meaning energy production continues long after the savings they produce have paid for the initial investment. In this span, utility rates are likely to rise significantly, making the power produced by the solar panel more valuable.

 Milestones iconWhat milestones have created the solar market in Georgia?

  • Extension of the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in 2015. Extension of the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has played an important role in Georgia and throughout the U.S. by helping to defray the initial investment in solar installation by offering a 30% tax credit on the cost. The ITC was extended in December 2015. For more information on the ITC and tax credits, click here.
  • The Solar Power Free Market Financing Act of 2015: A major step forward in opening the market to solar systems for homeowners and commercial operations. For more information on Policy affecting Solar in GA, click here.
  • In 2015, Tybee Island became the first community in the Southeast to conduct a successful Solarize initiative.
  • Many Georgia communities such as Walton County, for example, now are initiating Community Solar programs, which allow individuals to purchase power from nearby solar installations. For more information on community solar, click here.
  • Georgia's robust program of utility scale solar development has evolved through a series of decisions by the Georgia Public Service Commission.