Best solar companies in Atlanta, GA

We’ve talked to dozens of Georgians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Atlanta residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with local and federal incentives.

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $9,555 to $27,300 in Georgia. Prices in Atlanta are comparable, ranging from $9,338 to $26,679 on average.

Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. Nationally, costs per watt range from $2.50 to $5. In Atlanta, the average cost per watt is $2.67. The average Georgia household needs a system with a capacity of 11.17 kW to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on your household energy use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

Average total solar installation costs by system size in Atlanta

Solar is generally worth it in Georgia if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 10 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, homeowners with solar panels can avoid $57,429 in total utility costs over 25 years.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

But it doesn’t work out for everyone in the Peach State. Lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — could make your solar system less efficient. Use NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is another free solar savings estimator.

As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Potential roof problems

As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

In our experience, the best solar companies in Georgia have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

• Avoid scams: One of the most common solar scams involves fake solar companies selling systems without any intention of really installing them. Residents have also reported issues such as false claims of affiliation with Georgia Power or electric cooperatives.
• Check certifications: In Atlanta, solar panel installers must work with a licensed electrical contractor to ensure all electrical aspects of solar installations adhere to state guidelines. You can verify a contractor’s licensing status online through the Georgia secretary of state. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Read reviews: Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
• Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

» TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

How can I pay for solar panels?

Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

• Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
• Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt; you also aren’t responsible for system maintenance.

» SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

Going solar in Fulton County

Atlanta was recognized nationally by the Department of Energy in 2017 for its significant progress in solar energy. The city streamlined solar permitting processes and efforts to make solar energy more accessible to residents and businesses. By adopting user-friendly systems and offering incentives, Atlanta serves as a model for other cities in the state, contributing to Georgia’s renewable energy goals.

» GREENEST STATES: Georgia ranked 23rd in 2024

You can take advantage of a few statewide solar incentives in Georgia in addition to local programs. For instance, the city of Atlanta, jointly with other groups, has initiatives that focus on making solar more affordable for residents, businesses and nonprofits in Atlanta.

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the most significant incentive for a lot of homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000.

Additional solar incentives

Check DSIRE for the most comprehensive source of information about solar incentives and policies in Georgia.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Atlanta, Georgia. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Atlanta customers were given preference.

Warranties: 20%

A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

Equipment selection: 20%

We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

Financing and payment options: 20%

We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

1. Harbor Solar
2. Green Home Systems
3. ShopSolar