Plug-In Solar in Georgia — Status: deferred
Bill: HB 1304 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Rep. Don Hogan
Legislative Status: Deferred until 2027. Despite bipartisan sponsorship, HB 1304 was 'held' by the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee without a vote after intense opposition from Georgia Power and the state's Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs). No active law restricts plug-in solar — the bill simply did not advance. Sponsors plan to reintroduce in 2027.
Current Status: Deferred — Held in Committee Without Vote (March 2026). Sponsors plan to reintroduce in 2027.
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 13.1¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $170/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 4¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 5 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
Would have exempted certified plug-in solar devices from PSC interconnection requirements.
What You Can Do
Traditional rooftop solar is available with standard interconnection. Georgia Power offers solar programs.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
No plug-in solar exemption. Georgia Power and EMCs actively opposed legislation. Bill was killed by utility lobbying.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiative offers net metering and solar programs for residential customers. No active state solar tax credit in Georgia. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- DSIRE — Georgia Solar Incentives — Full list of Georgia state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 11,029,227 |
| Total Households | 4,074,366 |
| Owner-Occupied | 2,676,858 |
| Renter-Occupied | 1,397,508 |
| Single-Family Homes | 2,606,864 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 719,385 |
| Median Household Income | $76,426 |
| Median Home Value | $280,300 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.75 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 32° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1140 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | March–October |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Power | ~2.7 million customers | Yes |
| Jackson EMC | ~270,000 customers | Yes |
| Cobb EMC | ~200,000 customers | Yes |
| Albany Utilities | ~37,000 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Georgia balcony solar bill sidelined — The Current GA (March 4, 2026)
- Utilities are raising concerns about plug-in solar panels — NPR (March 12, 2026)