Georgia's Solar Rebates and Incentives

One of the original southern states, Georgia is full of lush, tropical beauty and good-ol' southern charm. So how does it compare in the land of alternative energy? What incentives are offered to its residents?

In line with its welcoming beauty, Georgia also has quite the welcoming solar incentive package. Just this summer, the state passed a tax credit that benefits businesses and residences who invest in equipment to convert solar radiation into usable energy. You should hurry, however, because this bill will only be in effect until 2012.

Tax Incentives

• Clean Energy Tax Credit (Corporate). This incentive applies to commercial and multifamily applications. It provides up to a 35% tax credit for the installation of solar system components.
• Clean Energy Tax Credit (Personal). This is a result of the newly passed bill mentioned above. It applies to residential purposes, providing a 35% tax credit for the installation of applicable solar systems. Limits of $2,500 for domestic solar water heating, $10,500 for photovoltaics, active space heating, and wind energy systems and $2,500 for geothermal heat pumps apply.

Production Incentives

• TVA - Green Power Switch Generation Partners Program. This program is for both residential and commercial applications. It allows for the consumer to sell the energy produced from their systems back to the utility companies at a rate of $0.15/kWh (residential/small-commercial) or $0.20/kWh (commercial) for 10 years. Plus, residents who qualify can receive $500 to help offset the cost of starting up.

In addition to the federal incentives, normally around $2,000, the State of Georgia offers enough incentives to make solar energy quite affordable for her residents. Request free estimates from skilled solar installers in your area to install your solar energy.

Additional Resources:

• Georgia Solar Contractors
  
• DSIRE
• Tennessee Valley Authority