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10 Best Solar Companies in Athens, GA

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Athens. A rooftop solar array can help you add value to your property, decrease your carbon footprint, and provide a dependable source of power. Making the switch to solar power can help cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on providers, we compiled a guide to the most reliable solar companies in Athens. These installers consistently deliver excellent service.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service
Best Financing Options
4.3/5
  • BluePower Plus+ financing program
  • Good selection of quality panels
  • Most affordable options
Best Customer Service
3.9/5
  • Great customer service
  • Good warranty options
  • Excellent industry reputation

Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Athens

Alternative Energy Southeast, Inc.

Alternative Energy Southeast, Inc. Logo

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160 Collins Ind Blvd, Athens, GA 30601 (770) 691-0966 altenergyse.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Tesla powerwall
Cleaning and maintenance
Skilled repairs
Panel installation
Battery storage
Consultation

Southern View Energy

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5289 Mountain Center Plaza #2, Lula, GA 30554 (678) 833-5191 southernviewenergy.com

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Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
System decommissioning
Consultation
Permit assistance
Grid-tied solar system
Battery storage
Panel installation
Off-grid solar systems

South Coast Solar

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301 Green St NE, Gainesville, GA 30501 (866) 514-1549 southcoastsolar.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Tesla powerwall
Panel installation
Battery storage
Consultation

Solar Sun World LLC

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779 Harmony Rd, Eatonton, GA 31024 (706) 318-0784 solarsunworld.com

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Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
Financing assistance

ADT Solar

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295 Maltbie St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (833) 409-1007 adtsolar.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation

SunPeach Solar

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2746 Evans Mill Rd suite 300, Lithonia, GA 30058 (404) 649-0620 sunpeachsolar.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Battery storage
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Solar carports
Off-grid solar systems
Tesla powerwall

Beyond SOLAR

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1939 Parker Ct Suite C, Stone Mountain, GA 30087 (800) 316-4716 beyondsolar.net

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Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
Consultation
Financing assistance

Custom Solar Solutions

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8601 Dunwoody Pl Suite 302, Sandy Springs, GA 30350 (770) 740-6898 customsolarsolutions.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Family-operated business

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Consultation
Skilled repairs
System decommissioning
Community solar projects
Battery storage
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance

Solar Experts Northeast Atlanta LLC

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8306 Beaver Creek Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 (470) 921-0888 solarexpertsnortheastatlanta.com

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Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Consultation
System decommissioning
Battery storage
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation

Big Peach Solar Systems

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42 Decatur St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (770) 790-3642 solar-atlantaga.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Battery storage
Skilled repairs
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Consultation
System decommissioning
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Georgia doesn't have contractors' licenses specific to solar energy, but the law does require solar installers to be licensed electrical contractors. The Georgia Secretary of State manages business filings and licenses.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Avoid companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact three to five solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the best value based on your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The output warranty ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.

  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also provide incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may have extra discounts to motivate homeowners to adopt solar power. Review the eligibility criteria and rebate amounts with your local provider to figure out your potential savings.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels upfront or finance payments over time with a lease or loan. Be sure to verify key details like fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and what ownership means when financing solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in Athens

The average Athens homeowner will spend around $17,534 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Athens cost approximately $3,740 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 6.7 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor, and will account for your system's panel type, size, and capacity. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.

Athens Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: georgiapower.com

Incentive Amount:

Single Family
Central AC Replacement: $50
Air/Duct Sealing: $300
Attic Insulation: $250
Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Home Energy Assessment: $150
Smart Thermostat: $75
Heat Pump conversion: $250

Multifamily
Central AC Replacement: $25
Air/Duct Sealing: $150
Attic Insulation: $125
Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Home Energy Assessment: $75
Smart Thermostat: $38
Heat Pump conversion: $125

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: cgemc.com

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: jacksonemc.com

Incentive Amount:

PV: $450/kW-DC

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: waltonemc.com

Incentive Amount:

$25,000

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: waltonemc.com

Incentive Amount:

Existing Homes
Water Heater: $200/unit
Heat Pump: $200/unit
Heat Pump Water Heater: $200/home
Waste Heat Recovery System: $200/home

New Homes
Underground Wiring Refund: Up to $500
Water Heater: $200/unit
Heat Pump Water Heater: $200/home
Waste Heat Recovery System: $200/home

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Athens, GA

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.

There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can raise your property values, save money, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.

Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Athens, the average amount someone can save is $1,353 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.

Regarding taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.

Some frequently-used types of home solar panels in Athens include thin-film, polycrystalline and monocrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while thin-film and polycrystalline panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Talk with your local provider about what kinds of solar panels they work with.

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