Georgia’s net metering program for Georgia Power customers was a limited pilot program, capped at 5,000 participants or 32 megawatts (MW) of capacity, whichever was reached first. This cap was met in July 2021, and the program ceased accepting new participants. After reaching the cap, new solar customers are compensated under a Solar Avoided Cost rate, which is lower than the retail rate. This change has been criticized by solar advocates, who argue that it reduces the financial incentive for adopting solar energy.
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Efforts have been made to expand or renew the program. In February 2023, the Georgia Homegrown Solar Act was introduced, proposing to raise the net metering cap from 0.2% to 5% of annual peak demand, which could allow more customers to participate in net metering. However, as of now, the original cap remains in place, and the pilot program has not been renewed or expanded.
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Additionally, there is an ongoing discussion about the limitations of Georgia’s solar policies, including how these changes impact residential solar growth.
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Net Metering Policy
- Statewide Policy: Georgia Power offers net metering for the first 5,000 customers with systems up to 10 kW. Compensation is at the retail rate until the capacity cap is reached.
Key Utilities and Their Net Metering Policies
- Georgia Power
- Details: Provides net metering at the retail rate, subject to the capacity cap. Excess credits roll over monthly.
- Link
- Jackson EMC
- Details: Offers a solar buyback program at $0.04/kWh for excess generation.
- Link
State Incentives
- Solar Tax Exemption
- Solar equipment is exempt from state property taxes.
- Link
Permitting and Interconnection
- Process: Applications include design reviews, utility approvals, and inspections.
- Timeline: 20-30 days.
- Utility-Specific Links:
