LIFE IS PEACHY WITH SOLAR
Why go solar in Georgia
Many Georgians go solar everyday, partially because they like the freedom it gives, and partially because of the potential savings. Of course many homeowners are also trying to do something for the environment. The state actually has 312,450 homes on solar power as of 2020*, and the number keeps growing!
Save on energy
Energy rates may increase at any time. In Georgia, time of use (TOU) billing means higher rates depending what time you are using energy. With a solar system and batteries, you can avoid energy from the grid altogether. With net metering, your utility company may even pay you instead.
Be prepared for outages
Scheduled outages in Georgia are normal and necessary, but they are still inconvenient. Unforeseen weather may also cause outages and leave your home without power. If you install batteries with your system, your home can stay powered during an outage and at night. Talk to your solar dealer about what batteries can keep you powered and prepared.
Preserve Georgia’s outdoors
Georgia has a beautiful outdoor environment full of agriculture and natural beauty. By going solar you are choosing to preserve your state’s natural resources. Many Georgians enjoy hunting and fishing. Greener alternatives, such as solar energy, can help preserve this popular activity while keeping a clean environment. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions that pollute the environment and damage its resources.
Have predictable payments
Georgia homeowners have TOU rates that cause energy prices to vary depending on time of day and year. Budgeting can be really difficult when you don’t know what to expect. With solar, you have the opportunity to offset your energy usage. This means you would only have a minimum payment to your utility and your solar payment.
Invest in your home
Many homeowners go solar to increase home equity. The average Georgia home is worth $223,945, that is a 9.2% annual increase.* According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), purchasing a solar power system can increase your home’s resale value by an average of 17%. Solar is just another way to keep up with the market.**
Solar incentives in Georgia*
Georgia is one of the few states that allow Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) programs that allow you to sell excess energy back to participating utilities. Jackson EMC offers a one-time rebate of $450 per kilowatt of DC, up to $4,500 for eligible customers. If you are a customer of Jackson EMC or Georgia Power, you are eligible for net metering, a policy that compensates you for excess electricity produced by your solar system at the same rate that you are charged for electricity. Importantly, Georgia Power’s net metering is capped at 5,000 households or 32 Megawatts of power, whichever comes first. After the net metering cap is reached, new solar customers will only be compensated at Georgia Power’s export rate, which is just $0.03 per kilowatt-hour.
Georgia homeowners are also eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).*** The ITC allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
Solar panels perform in all kinds of weather
Going solar is a big decision, and although there are many factors you should consider, local weather shouldn’t be a deterrent. Solar panels are designed to work in almost any type of weather… even snow and clouds!
Sunny
There are sunny days ahead for solar. The more sun you have access to, the longer your panels work during the day. Your panels work best at converting energy when sun rays shine directly at them. The more energy you produce, the more excess you may be able to send back to the grid. Take advantage of the excess through net metering and other incentive programs.
Rainy
As the rain pours down, your panels will continue to be hard at work. Solar panels will work with reflected or partially blocked sun rays to keep your home powered. Your production is linked to the amount of clouds. Rain will have some effect on your production, but the rays will still penetrate through the rain. It may actually help keep your panels working efficiently as they wash away any dust or dirt.
Cloudy
It is a misconception that panels don’t work on cloudy days. The best way to know how much the clouds affect your system’s performance is to monitor your system on sunny days and compare. Your system may actually be more efficient without the excess heat. This is because solar systems prefer the cold! The sun’s rays are still able to penetrate through cloudy skies and keep your system running.
Snowy
Amazingly enough, even when covered in snow a solar system can still produce power! Scattered light filters through snow and reaches solar panels even when the snow cover is fairly heavy. Your solar panels may actual be more efficient in light snow. Cold weather helps them perform better, and usually snow slides right off. Power production may be reduced with heavier snowfall, but your system can still produce.
Windy
Solar panels are highly reliable and sturdy, they hardly notice your average winds. In most cases, damage from wind will be due to weakened roofs, not solar panels. This is why we assess your roof condition and reccomend any repairs prior to installing your system. In the event that higher winds cause an outage in the grid, you will still have power if you have batteries with your system.
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*This information is current as of May 5, 2021 and figures are approximate. Customers are encouraged to check with their local utility providers for the most up to date and accurate information.
**We advise you to consult with the appropriate professionals (including, but not limited to, your solicitor or attorney, accountant, CPA, CGA, or any other financial or legal advisor) for the implications of any information contained in our website and in any link you access through our website.
***You should contact a qualified tax expert and consult with them. Neither Freedom Forever’s family of independent authorized dealers nor Freedom Forever itself can give you tax advice. A qualified tax professional will understand your situation and be able to give you the most relevant advice.
