US residential solar · 2026 data

Solar Panels for a 3,500 sq ft Home in Georgia

SAVE

$0+

Over 25 Years

$27,400 Cost after ITC
11.9 yrs Payback
13.0 kW System size

Most homeowners need:

  • 31–36 panels
  • 13.0 kW system
  • $27,400 after tax credits
  • 11.9 year payback
✓ Updated monthly ✓ NREL data ✓ Reviewed by solar experts ✓ IRS tax credit included
· 2 min read ·By ·Reviewed by Green Energy Calculators Editorial Team

Without solar vs with solar

25-year cost comparison for a $300/month US electric bill.

Without solar

25-year utility cost

$96,200

Rates rise ~3% per year (EIA avg.)

With solar

Net system cost

$27,400

After 30% federal ITC

Your savings

Difference

+$68,800

Estimated lifetime advantage

500,000+
calculations completed
25,000+
users monthly

Trusted by US homeowners · Data sourced from

NREL EIA Energy.gov DSIRE IRS / SEIA
Author Mark Sullivan
Reviewed by Green Energy Calculators Editorial Team
Last updated
Sizing formula kW = Annual kWh ÷ (Peak Sun Hours × 365 × 0.82)

A 3,500 square foot home in Georgia typically uses about 1,691 kWh per month at the state average rate of 13.0¢/kWh (EIA). With 5.2 peak sun hours per day, most homeowners need a 13.0 kW solar system — roughly 33 panels at 400W. After the 30% federal ITC, net cost is about $27,400, with 11.9-year payback and $68,800+ in estimated 25-year savings.

Content roles: This page is your Georgia-specific sizing decision for 3,500 sq ft. For national methodology and roof/orientation depth, see the 3,500 sq ft national guide. For bill-based sizing, see $300/month (~$220/mo equivalent in Georgia). Policy depth: Georgia solar data.

How Many Solar Panels for a 3,500 sq ft House in Georgia?

Georgia electricity rates and sun hours change panel count versus the US average:

System size (kW) = Annual kWh ÷ (Peak sun hours × 365 × 0.82)

For 3,500 sq ft in Georgia:

  • Estimated monthly usage: ~1,691 kWh
  • Peak sun hours: 5.2 h/day
  • System size: 13.0 kW (~33 × 400W panels)
MetricGeorgiaUS average
Rate13.0¢/kWh16.3¢/kWh
Sun hours5.2 h/day4.5 h/day
System size13.0 kW15.1 kW
Panels (400W)3338

Georgia requires a smaller system than the national average for the same square footage. Use our solar system size calculator with your actual utility bills for a precise ZIP-level result.

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What Does Solar Cost for a 3,500 sq ft Home in Georgia After the ITC?

At $3.00/W installed (SEIA 2026), a 13.0 kW system in Georgia costs about $39,100 before incentives. The 30% ITC saves ~$11,730, for $27,400 net cost.

How Long Is Solar Payback on a 3,500 sq ft Home in Georgia?

A 13.0 kW system saving ~$2,295/year pays back in about 11.9 years after the ITC. At 3% rate escalation, 25-year utility spend totals ~$96,200 vs $27,400 net solar — $68,800+ lifetime advantage.

Solar vs utility company · 25-year comparison

Total cost of staying on the grid vs owning solar for a $300/month bill (national average assumptions).

Total utility payments

$96,200

Total solar cost (after ITC)

$27,400

Net savings

+$68,800

Avg. monthly difference

+$191/mo

See my savings →

Georgia Solar Incentives for a 3,500 sq ft Home

Georgia does not currently offer a state solar tax credit. However, Georgia has net metering requirements for investor-owned utilities, and some local utilities and cooperatives offer their own solar incentive programs. Georgia Power’s Advanced Solar Initiative may be available in some areas.

See Georgia solar incentives and DSIRE before signing a contract.

Georgia vs US Average: 3,500 sq ft Home Comparison

GeorgiaUS average
Home size3,500 sq ft3,500 sq ft
System size13.0 kW15.1 kW
Net after ITC$27,400$31,600
Payback11.9 yrs11.0 yrs
Eq. monthly bill~$220~$276

Compare all states on the 3,500 sq ft by state hub or the $300/month bill hub.

Frequently asked questions

Direct answers for US homeowners in Georgia.

At Georgia's average rate of 13.0¢/kWh and 5.2 peak sun hours, a 3,500 sq ft home (~1,691 kWh/month) typically needs a 13.0 kW system — about 33 panels at 400W. See the [national 3,500 sq ft guide](/guides/how-many-solar-panels-3500-sq-ft-house/) for methodology.

$300/month electric bill by state

System size and payback vary by electricity rate and sun hours — see your state.

Compare all 50 states for $300/mo →

Popular utility companies

Solar rules and net metering vary by utility — not just by state.

Methodology & data sources

Calculation method: System size uses NREL PVWatts derate factor (0.82). Costs based on SEIA 2026 installed cost ($2.75–$3.20/W). Payback uses net cost after 30% federal ITC (IRC Section 25D). Savings assume full-retail net metering unless noted.

Official sources: EIA state electricity rates · NREL PVWatts · Energy.gov ITC guide · DSIRE incentives · SEIA market data · IRS Publication 5695.

All figures are estimates for educational purposes — not tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult a licensed installer and CPA for your situation.

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