Solar Energy

Getting Started with Solar

Welcome to the Putnam County’s solar resource webpage. Putnam County is seeking ways to enhance the amount of solar energy installed in our community. This webpage represents a collection of solar resources and information for the community. Putnam County is currently participating in the SolSmart program funded by the U.S Department of Energy, which helps local governments reduce barriers to solar energy growth and make it easier for homes and businesses to go solar.

For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

Policies and Processes

Refer to:

1) Solar checklist for the required permits, submittals and steps of the county’s permitting process - see below

2) Zoning ordinance

Solar Benefits

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies in Georgia https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/georgia-solar, saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from technological developments, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Finding a Contractor and Going Solar

Find a solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a bid. Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.

• Consumer Solar Checklist - a checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council
• Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – ensuring a positive consumer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council
• Solar Customer Resource Portal

Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions

Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and State [in the DSIRE Database] incentives available.

• A HomeGuideowner’s  to Solar Financing – learn about different financing options from CESA, the Clean Energy States Alliance.
• Rooftop Solar Financing 101 – an informative short video from the GW Solar Institute explaining different solar financing options.