In Georgia, a 7-kW system for an average home costs about $17,600 after incentives in 2026, saves about $807 in the first year and pays back in 18.6 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 7.04 kW × $2.5/W | $17,600 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| Net cost | $17,600 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $17,600 | $807 | 18.6 yr | $7,655 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $17,600 | $807 | 16.2 yr | $15,838 |
| Rates stay flat | $17,600 | $807 | 23 yr | $1,400 |
| Survey price $3.6/W (LBNL) | $25,344 | $807 | 25+ yr | -$89.03 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $34,853 | $1,311 | 20.4 yr | $10,873 |
| Size to 100% of use instead | $24,200 | $1,109 | 18.6 yr | $10,526 |
Verdict: at average Georgia numbers, solar is hard to justify on savings alone in 2026 — payback takes 18.6 years, leaving you $7,655 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: export credits below retail (net billing, exports earn 3.7¢/kWh), so only the solar you use yourself earns full value. Unless your quote comes in well below the state average or your rate is higher than average, it makes more sense to cut usage first or wait for better export terms.
Net metering and exports in Georgia: No full net metering mandate; Georgia Power credits instantaneous exports at ~3.7¢/kWh. Net-metered system size caps (~10 kW) reported by homeowners.
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the Georgia average of $1,278/kWh adds $17,253 and shifts about 4,435 kWh a year from low-paid exports to your own use; payback becomes 20.4 years.
EnergySage's Georgia page lists a 17-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 40% self-use and the state's export credit, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.