The best solar installers in Georgia
A geographically balanced top 5 spanning Atlanta metro, Athens, coastal Georgia (Savannah/Brunswick), and the Atlanta exurbs — so homeowners across the state's biggest regions have a local-to-them option in the top picks. For Macon, Columbus, and Augusta, see the Honorable mentions below.
Hannah Solar Local
Why listed: Atlanta-based residential and commercial installer operating since 2009 — one of the longest-running solar contractors headquartered in Georgia. NABCEP-certified staff, BBB A+. Strong reputation for design-driven systems and handling Georgia Power's RNR/Solar Buyback enrollment paperwork.
Creative Solar USA Local
Why listed: Ball Ground-based installer (north Atlanta exurbs) with a statewide GA service footprint. NABCEP certified, BBB-listed, and one of the most-reviewed GA installers on EnergySage and SolarReviews. Handles residential and commercial design-build.
Alternative Energy Southeast (AES) Local
Why listed: Athens-headquartered installer covering northeast Georgia and the Atlanta metro. 750+ in-house installs, residential plus commercial plus storage. Strong NABCEP credential stack. The best non-Atlanta option in the top 5.
Coastal Solar Local
Why listed: The strongest GA-HQ option for coastal Georgia homeowners — Savannah, Brunswick, the Golden Isles, and inland through south Georgia. Residential and commercial, with strong Georgia Power and Coastal EMC interconnection experience.
Custom Solar Solutions Local
Why listed: Sandy Springs-headquartered family-owned installer with a 100% in-house, NABCEP-certified install team — voted EnergySage Installer of the Year for Georgia and credited with 3,000+ Georgia installs. Strongest in-metro Atlanta pick for homeowners who want a full EPC rather than a sales-and-subcontract model.
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Georgia residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast but doesn't serve Georgia), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Georgia solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Georgia average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.12–$0.15 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,400–1,550 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering not mandated statewide; Georgia Power offers limited buyback program |
| Average cash payback | 13–16 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Georgia solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Georgia stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Georgia state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: GA does not have a statewide residential solar property tax exemption.
- Sales tax: GA does not specifically exempt residential solar.
Net metering & utility programs in Georgia
Georgia Power has limited Renewable & Nonrenewable Resources (RNR) tariff and a small Solar Buyback program with capped enrollment — slots fill. EMC cooperatives each have their own rates. See also net metering explained.
- Georgia Power: RNR + Solar Buyback (cap-limited). www.georgiapower.com
- Cobb EMC, Sawnee EMC, Jackson EMC, etc.: Member rules — some pay better rates than Georgia Power.
- Municipal utilities (MEAG cities): Muni rules.
Georgia EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Georgia utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- GA Environmental Finance Authority: gefa.georgia.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=GA — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Georgia
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Georgia installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Georgia installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — strong Georgia-based alternatives for other metros, plus EnergySage-screened regional installers that serve Georgia from neighboring states.
Other Georgia-based installers
Inman Solar Local
Why listed: Atlanta-based residential installer with deep local roots. Smaller footprint than Hannah or Creative — a quieter alternative for homeowners who want a less sales-driven experience.
Solar CrowdSource Local
Why listed: Group-buy and neighbor-referral marketing model — runs Solarize-style cohort programs that can lower per-watt price for homeowners willing to enroll in a campaign. Worth a quote if a Solarize program is active in your county.
SunPath Electric & Solar Local
Why listed: Combined electrical and solar contractor — useful when your install needs a panel upgrade, sub-panel relocation, or EV charger work alongside the PV system.
Tip: Georgia Power has a limited Renewable & Nonrenewable Resources (RNR) tariff and a small Solar Buyback program with capped enrollment — some homeowners don't qualify when slots are full. EMC (electric membership cooperative) customers each have their own rates. Make sure your installer confirms in writing which buyback program your meter will be on, and what the export rate is — assuming full 1:1 net metering in GA is almost always wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Georgia solar
Does solar make sense in Georgia?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Georgia's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Georgia solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Georgia solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Georgia; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.