Georgia Solar Fraud: Common Scams & How to Report
Georgia homeowners lost millions to solar scams. Learn the most common Georgia solar fraud tactics, your rights under Georgia consumer protection laws, and where to report.
Georgia Solar Fraud 2026: Common Scams, Consumer Laws & How to Report
Georgia ranks among the top 10 states for total solar capacity, with over 60,000 residential installations and counting. Georgia Power's monopoly territory covers most of the state, and with summer electricity bills commonly exceeding $250/month in metro Atlanta, solar has become an attractive — and fraud-riddled — option for homeowners.
Georgia Solar Market at a Glance
| Metric | Georgia Data |
|---|---|
| Residential installations | 60,000+ statewide |
| Dominant utility | Georgia Power (covers ~75% of the state) |
| Key incentive | Federal ITC only (no state-level solar tax credit) |
| Georgia Power solar buyback | Limited to 5,000 customers (capped program) |
| Growth areas | Metro Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Athens |
| Complaints trend | Up 55% from 2024 to 2025 |
Top 3 Solar Scam Types in Georgia
1. Georgia Power "Approved Installer" Impersonation
Scammers claim to be a "Georgia Power approved solar installer" or "Georgia Power solar partner." While Georgia Power does maintain a list of participating installers for its limited solar buyback program, the utility does not endorse or dispatch door-to-door salespeople. This is a trust-building tactic to gain entry.
2. "Georgia Solar Tax Credit" Fiction
Unlike South Carolina, Georgia offers no state-level solar tax credit. Scammers nevertheless tell homeowners they qualify for a "Georgia solar rebate" or "Georgia solar tax credit" that will significantly reduce their costs. When the promised credit never appears, the homeowner is left with the full loan amount.
3. Georgia Power Buyback "Guaranteed Slot" Scams
Georgia Power's solar buyback program (RNR-12) is limited to 5,000 participants. Scammers claim they can "guarantee" a slot in the program — even after it's full — if the homeowner signs immediately. Once the system is installed, the homeowner discovers they are on a waiting list or ineligible for the buyback rate.
Your Rights Under Georgia Law
Georgia protects homeowners through the Georgia Fair Business Practices Act (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-390).
| Protection | Detail |
|---|---|
| Statute of limitations | 2 years from violation (FBPA); 4 years for breach of written contract |
| Damages | Actual damages; treble damages for intentional violations + attorney fees |
| Door-to-door cancellation | 3 business days (FTC Cooling-Off Rule) |
| Georgia contractor licensing | Electrical contractors must be licensed by GA Board of Electrical Contractors |
| Senior protections | Enhanced penalties for targeting consumers 65+ |
Georgia Reporting Agencies
| Agency | Contact | What to Report |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Attorney General (Chris Carr) | consumer.georgia.gov / 1-800-869-1123 | FBPA violations, deceptive practices |
| Georgia Public Service Commission | psc.ga.gov | Georgia Power complaints, solar buyback issues |
| Georgia Secretary of State | sos.ga.gov | Contractor licensing verification |
| FTC | ReportFraud.ftc.gov | Interstate fraud |
| CFPB | consumerfinance.gov/complaint | Financing complaints |
Red Flags for Georgia Homeowners
- Any mention of a "Georgia solar tax credit" or "Georgia state solar rebate" — neither exists
- "Georgia Power sent us" or "We're a Georgia Power partner" without verification
- "Guaranteed spot" in the Georgia Power solar buyback program
- High-pressure sales targeting seniors in retirement communities
- Contract lacks Georgia contractor license numbers
What to Do Next
- Verify the Georgia Power program: Check georgiapower.com/solar for the actual status of RNR-12 and participating installer lists
- Know there's no state credit: Georgia offers no state-level solar tax incentive beyond the federal ITC
- Check contractor licenses: Verify electrical contractor licenses at sos.ga.gov
- Contact the AG: Georgia's Consumer Protection Division handles solar fraud complaints
- Document everything: Save all promotional materials, especially any that reference Georgia Power
FAQ
Is there a Georgia solar tax credit?
No. Georgia does not offer a state-level solar tax credit or rebate. The only major incentive for Georgia homeowners is the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Any salesperson claiming otherwise is misrepresenting the facts.
How does the Georgia Power solar buyback program really work?
Georgia Power's RNR-12 program allows up to 5,000 residential customers to sell excess solar back to the grid at a predetermined rate. Once the cap is reached, new applicants go on a waiting list. There is no way for any installer to "guarantee" you a slot.
Do Georgia solar contractors need a special license?
Georgia requires electrical contractors to hold a state license from the Georgia Board of Electrical Contractors. While there is no "solar-specific" license, the electrical work involved in solar installation must be done by licensed professionals. Always verify at sos.ga.gov.
What should I do if a solar company used Georgia Power's name to gain my trust?
File a complaint with both the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division and the Georgia Public Service Commission. Impersonating or falsely affiliating with a regulated utility is a serious violation of the Georgia Fair Business Practices Act.
Georgia's solar potential is real — but so are the fake "Georgia Power partnerships" and imaginary state rebates. Verify everything.