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Is plug-in solar legal in Georgia?
Bill stalled (likely refiled 2027) HB 1304
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
Not yet. Georgia considered a plug-in solar bill (HB 1304) that did not pass in 2026; a new version is expected. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Max system sizeNo capsmallest tier: Residential <=10 kW AC
Electrician / permitPermit and inspectionutility rules apply
Tell the utility?Interconnection applicationtypical fee $100
CertificationUL 1741 inverterrequired by every utility
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (Residential <=10 kW AC), typical fee $100.
- Use portable panels with a power station, never connected to house wiring, with no permission at all.
- Install conventional rooftop or ground-mount solar through the standard interconnection process.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug a grid-tied kit into an outlet without an interconnection agreement; it can breach your service terms.
- Expect a permit or wiring exemption; none exists without a law.
- Count on HB 1304 this year: Held without vote by House Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications (Chair Don Parsons) 2/25/2026; dead; deferred to 2027.
What the rules say
Georgia's HB 1304 was held in committee after utility co-ops objected; Georgia Power/EMC interconnection rules apply.
What happened in 2026. HB 1304: Held without vote by House Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications (Chair Don Parsons) 2/25/2026; dead; deferred to 2027.
Before you plug in: Georgia checklist
- The rule that applies is Georgia Public Service Commission (Georgia Power); EMCs/munis self-regulate's interconnection process: Georgia Cogeneration and Distributed Generation Act (2001); Georgia Power RNR tariff.
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (Residential <=10 kW AC). Georgia Power $100 interconnection fee (billed after completion); Carroll EMC $100.
- Permits: Permit + witness test; 2023 NEC.
- Only consider kits with a UL 1741-listed inverter (UL 3700 preferred); a non-listed inverter will not be approved anywhere.
- What exports are worth: RNR Instantaneous Netting ~7.2 c/kWh (2026); monthly-netting pilot full.
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- Watch HB 1304: Held without vote by House Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications (Chair Don Parsons) 2/25/2026; dead; deferred to 2027.
The rules in detail
Georgia has no statute specific to plug-in solar (the only bill so far is HB 1304). Average residential electricity price: 16.27¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
- Utilities: Georgia EMC lobbyist cited lineworker safety; chair declined vote.
Your utility's rules in Georgia
No utility in Georgia publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Power | 2,452,488 | Opposed HB 1304: 'The notion of a blanket exemption for small systems is not something that I think is prudent' (Wilson Mallard); 'Georgia Power believes this legislation is not needed' (Joshua Peacock). source |
| Georgia EMCs (Jackson, Cobb, Sawnee, GreyStone, Walton) | 892,702 | Georgia EMC opposed HB 1304: 'The safety of our linemen ... is a reason that we oppose House Bill 1304' (Emily Pateuk). source |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Georgia Public Service Commission (Georgia Power); EMCs/munis self-regulate. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | Georgia Cogeneration and Distributed Generation Act (2001); Georgia Power RNR tariff. |
| Smallest tier | Residential <=10 kW AC. |
| Application fee | Georgia Power $100 interconnection fee (billed after completion); Carroll EMC $100. |
| Electrician / permit | Permit + witness test; 2023 NEC. |
| Export compensation | RNR Instantaneous Netting ~7.2 c/kWh (2026); monthly-netting pilot full. |
| Electrical code | 2023 NEC (eff. 1/1/2025). |
In practice
- Clearest on-record utility opposition in scope.
- $100 fee billed after completion; ~7.2 c export credit.
Plug-in solar bills in Georgia, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 1304 | Rep. Imani Barnes (D-Tucker), bipartisan cosponsors | Held without vote by House Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications (Chair Don Parsons) 2/25/2026; dead; deferred to 2027. | Georgia Residential Solar Access Act; <=1,200 W; utility opposition on lineworker safety. |
State incentives
- No state credit; sales-tax status unclear.
Who is pushing for a law
- Environment Georgia
- Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
- Georgia Solar Energy Association
- Bright Saver
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Georgia
Adjust for your setup →≈ $146/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Georgia?
Not yet. Georgia considered a plug-in solar bill (HB 1304) that did not pass in 2026; a new version is expected. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Georgia?
Default. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in Georgia?
Default rules apply. Plugging in a grid-tied kit without following this can breach your service agreement.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Georgia?
Roughly 896 kWh and about $146 per year at Georgia's average residential rate of 16.27¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.