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.
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Georgia?
A dedicated statewide plug-in solar pathway is not currently active in Georgia; HB 1304 is listed as deferred. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
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)
Explore Your Next Steps in Georgia
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your GA setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in Georgia — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- AI, Data Centers, and Your Electric Bill: What the Evidence Actually Shows — Read the most relevant PlugInSolarUS article for Georgia.
- Understand off-grid and grid-connected use — Separate truly off-grid or portable solar from equipment that connects to a building circuit or utility grid.