In 2023, it was observed that only 9% of Atlanta’s energy was obtained from green sources, but the city has committed to make it 50% by 2035. This is a bold target but achievable nonetheless. So do your part by installing a solar energy system at your home or workplace!
Here is everything you need to know about installing a solar energy system and a list of the best Atlanta solar companies that can help you do it.
Atlanta solar system installation costs
The price of solar panels has drastically reduced over the years. However, it can be overwhelming to choose because of the plethora of options available to help you finance your solar energy system. So let’s break it down.
On average, a solar panel costs about $2.97/W today. Most houses would need 2 to 20 kW depending on electricity usage and sun exposure. Installing a 5kW system can cost you anywhere between $12,350 to $17,150. This price range is because there are a vast number of solar panels concerning the material used and the shape of the structure.
An investment in solar energy gives you long-term returns. For example, according to atlantaga.gov, electricity in Atlanta costs about $0.12 per kWh, and by using a solar energy system, you can save at least 34 thousand dollars over 25 years. That comes to nearly $1400 worth of savings per year!
If your system is connected to the grid, you can sell the extra electricity at retail prices in Atlanta. According to the Renewable & Nonrenewable Tariff (RNR), this facility is available only for up to 5,000 solar energy systems set up on rooftops or 32 megawatts of capacity every month.
Also, the caps for residential and commercial projects are 10 and 250 kiloWatts, respectively. However, as the customer, you have to pay the charges for witness testing of the energy resource and installation of meters.
You can choose to finance your solar energy system all on your own, take a solar loan, or get a third party to invest in it. In 2015, regulations were modified to permit private investors to install and own solar panels in houses and small businesses.
You do not have any interest costs or finance fees when you make the payment yourself, but should you choose to finance your solar using a lease or a power purchase agreement, the arrangement will cover the system’s maintenance and insurance.
If you want to make a thoroughly researched and informed decision about financing your solar energy system, go through this document by Clean Energy States Alliance.
Incentives, Tax credits and rebates in Atlanta
Countrywide, you availed a 30% federal tax credit when you bought residential solar systems until 2033. After that, this number decreases by 4% every year, meaning that the longer you wait, the less you get. Unless Congress renews it, it will cease to exist for residential installations from 2035 onwards.
Let’s take an example to put this in perspective. If your house needs an 8kW system, in 2021, it would cost about $23,150, but after you claim your tax credit, it would have only cost you $17,130. However, if you were to install the same in 2024, without the tax credit, it would cost you more. [How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Power My Home?]
To claim the tax credit, you will need a paper trail. You can use the bills of your solar equipment, shipping costs, consulting fees, solar installer fee, tools bought or rented and permitting fees or service costs. If you hire a contractor, you can even claim that expense. Here is the form you’ll have to submit.
In addition to the federal tax credit common to all the states, Georgia offers a state tax credit of 35% up to $10,500 for purchasing solar panels. It has a sales tax exemption as well.
|
System size |
Avg system cost |
Avg system cost |
|
3 kW |
$8,810
|
$6,520 |
|
4 kW |
$11,950
|
$8,843 |
|
5 kW |
$14,650 |
$10,841 |
|
6 kW |
$17,630 |
$13,047 |
|
7 kW |
$21,080 |
$15,600 |
|
8 kW |
$23,150 |
$17,131 |
|
9 kW |
$26,850 |
$19,869 |
|
10 kW |
$29,360 |
$21,727 |
Despite these incentives, it may not always be easy for everyone to access solar energy systems. If you fall under this category, fret not! Clean energy programs can help you. These are community-based solar energy group purchasing campaigns like Solarize Atlanta, where you can sign up to get bidders for your solar installation.
They have a tiered pricing schedule, and they select top quality materials and solar contractors for you. Purchasing in bulk allows them to get items at a cheaper rate.
Solarize Atlanta also conducts workshops to learn everything you need to know about the process and ask your queries, if any. In addition, this campaign runs for a fixed period, which incentivizes people to act quickly to avail discounts.
Things to know about installing solar in Atlanta
Considering the power consumption of your house on a day-to-day basis, you could calculate the wattage requirement. You can then use the Google Sunroof Project to figure out how many solar panels you need for your roof.
Being on the southern side of the United States, Atlanta receives about 4.74 hours of sunlight per day on average. From April to September, we get six good sun hours every day. The tilt of the panels plays a major role in maximizing your power output.
Usually, the angle at which the panels should be placed is nearly equal to the location’s latitude. In Atlanta, your solar panels must be facing South. If you’re using a fixed-tilt system, 28.8 degrees would be the optimal angle to set them in.
For a more efficient plan, you can use systems that you can tilt over the course of the year. For example, in a two-season tilt system, the panels can be angled at 10.4 degrees during the sunny months and 48.7 degrees during the cooler months of the year.
If you opt for adjusting the tilt of your solar panels seasonally, you can set them at 6.8 degrees in summer, 54 degrees in winter, and 30.8 degrees in both autumn and spring.
Top 7 companies in Atlanta
Here is a list of top Solar installers in Atlanta that you contact to start with your solar installation. Most of them provide free consultations and estimates. Make sure to get multiple estimates before you make a decision.
1. Solar Plus LLC
Solar Plus has won the hearts of its customers by accommodating all their unique needs and coming up with personalized solar energy systems. They are very hardworking and work through every obstacle with utmost diligence. Their pricing is fair, installation very timely and professional.
Location: 715 Peachtree St NE STE 100, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: 470-378-1182
2. Inman Solar
Inman Solar’s technical expertise is top-notch, and they maximize your system’s power output with an exceptionally well-planned design and execution. With their expert analysis and competitive pricing, they are easily among the best in Atlanta.
Location: 320 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: 800-899-5261
3. Better Tomorrow Solar
Their attention to detail, the quality of their associates, and excellent communication skills make them stand out from the rest. They’re highly proficient, courteous, and cost-efficient. Not only do they provide residential and commercial solar installation services but also battery storage facilities, maintenance, and sustainability assessments.
Location: 1074 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
Phone: 678-532-1000
4. Quest Renewables
They engineer beautiful solar installation designs for luxury apartments with perfection. Their solar canopies are elegant and highly efficient. They offer immense flexibility and support, working through multiple challenges without any hassle. A customer loved the value they added to his plans on their on-site visit and vouched that Quest Renewables provide products capable of spanning twice as long as their competitors.
Location: 75 5th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: 404-536-5787
5. Solar Wolf Energy
The employees at Solar Wolf Energy are professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. You can rely on them to solve your concerns in the middle of the night! From pre-installation to follow-up, they’re got everything covered. They keep you up to date with incentives but don’t pressure you to avail of their services. A customer couldn’t praise them enough for bearing with him for a year before he decided to purchase.
Location: Lower Alabama St, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 888-878-4396
6. Solar Sale USA
They give you the most reasonable quotes and ensure that you have a very smooth installation process. Their response time is super impressive. One customer was elated that they had a
service call the morning after a storm, and they showed up that very afternoon to fix it.
Location: 1201 W Peachtree St NW Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: 800-961-7786
7. Global Solar Energy IIc
For a newer player in the market, Global Solar Energy has quickly climbed up the ladder to being the star solar installer in Atlanta! In just three years, they have managed to win the hearts of several customers. One of them was delighted that the Global Solar team brought a machine to lift themselves to a four-storey high building’s roof and install the panels smoothly.
Location: 260 Peachtree St NW #2200, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 770-376-5591
Conclusion
With rising electricity costs and falling prices of solar panels in Atlanta, this is the right time to get a solar energy system installed. Not only do you get to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a clean environment, but you also give yourself a sense of accomplishment and independence concerning your energy requirements.
Let’s make Atlanta green, one roof at a time!