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Plug-in solar in Georgia

No — Georgia's bill was defeated in 2026

  • HB 1304 held without a vote amid utility opposition

Last verified

Status
Bill defeated
Bill
HB 1304
Signed
—
Effective
—
Size cap
—
Avg. electricity rate
16.27¢/kWh (-11% vs US)

800 W kit · typical year

$157saved

Payback ≈ 5.7 yrs · ranks #24 of 51 for savings

Georgia's HB 1304 was held in committee without a vote in 2026, amid opposition from the state's dominant utility.

What plug-in solar is worth in Georgia

Georgia households pay an average of 16.27¢ per kWh, 11% below the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 4.8 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.

800 W kit (2 panels)

Saved per year
$157
Payback ($900 kit)
5.7 yr
Energy used
964 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,022

1,200 W kit (max)

Saved per year
$235
Payback ($1,300 kit)
5.5 yr
Energy used
1,446 kWh/yr
25-year net
$4,583

Run your own numbers

Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.

800 W
80%

Plug-in systems aren't net-metered: surplus sent to the grid earns nothing. ~80% is typical without a battery; 95%+ with one.

Estimated savings · Georgia

$157/ year

≈ $13.07 per month

Payback
5.7 yrs
Energy used
964 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,022
CO₂ avoided
781 lb/yr

Monthly savings profile

Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.

What to do now

  1. 1Don't connect a grid-tied plug-in system yet — without a law, it may breach your utility agreement.
  2. 2Consider an off-grid setup in the meantime: a panel charging a portable power station is legal everywhere.
  3. 3Cut your bill today with no-cost measures — see our guide to lowering your electric bill.
  4. 4Contact your Georgia state legislators: constituent support is what moved the 2026 bills.

Georgia plug-in solar FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in Georgia?

Not yet. A plug-in solar bill was killed or stripped this session. Without a law, connecting a grid-tied plug-in system may violate your utility's interconnection rules. Off-grid setups (a panel charging a portable power station) are allowed everywhere.

How much can balcony solar save in Georgia?

At Georgia's average residential rate of 16.27¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 4.8 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $157 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 5.7 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.

What is the maximum plug-in solar size in Georgia?

There is no Georgia-specific cap yet. Most state laws settle on 1,200 W, the practical limit for a standard 15-amp, 120 V circuit.

Sources

Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official Georgia sources and your utility.